Local Vendors Highlighted in New Asheville Airport Terminal?

On Oct 28, 2023

TL/DR –

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is undergoing a $400 million renovation and expansion, driven by record passenger numbers. The project will take approximately 3.5 years and will be implemented in phases, allowing continuous use of the terminal during construction. While no vendors for the new terminal have been announced yet, the airport’s dedicated website suggests a bright, modern concessions plaza, a living wall installation, rotating local art displays, improved restrooms, and private lactation rooms.

Asheville Regional Airport’s New Terminal: What to Expect

The new terminal at Asheville Regional Airport has prompted queries regarding the possible inclusion of local shops and restaurants. While the terminal’s concession options are yet to be finalized, details about the $400 million project are gradually being made available.

The expansion has been necessitated by record passenger numbers and will require approximately 3.5 years of phased construction that kicked off in August. In this way, passengers can access parts of the terminal while the project is still underway.

Asheville Regional Airport’s spokesperson, Tina Kinsey, disclosed that requests for proposals for concessions haven’t been released yet, hence it’s premature to ascertain the presence of local eateries or retailers. The terminal’s dedicated website, however, provides some details on the new terminal’s amenities.

The terminal is set to feature a “Living Wall”: a vertical garden filled with real greenery that brings the outdoors indoors. Experts suggest that indoor plants offer health benefits such as anxiety relief. The terminal will also host mini-galleries for rotating local art displays, and for the first time, large-scale commissioned art pieces will be displayed in key locations.

The restrooms are designed to be bright and comfortable, with baby changing tables and ample room for disabled passengers. There will also be an indoor pet relief area to cater for traveling pets. In addition, private rooms for nursing infants or using a pump will be conveniently located near gate areas.

To give an impression of what the new terminal’s concessions might look like, Kinsey shared about the current terminal’s offerings. These are managed by airport restaurateur and retailer Paradies, which features local products at various locations within the airport. Current concessions include Blue Ridge Trading and Tavern, which offers a full restaurant, bar, and gift shop with local food and retail options. Aletitude provides grab-and-go food items, including sandwiches and salads from Roman’s Deli. The airport also features Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon for sweet treats.

Kinsey encourages the community to keep abreast with updates on the new terminal’s construction by visiting flyavl.com/AVL_forward. This website allows community members to submit their queries and suggestions regarding the upcoming terminal.