North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina marked a major milestone in its terminal expansion project Oct. 23 with the placement of the final structural beam for the new terminal.
The topping-out ceremony marked the completion of the building’s structural frame for the final phase of the AVL Forward project, nearly one year after construction on the phase began Oct. 2, 2025.
Airport staff, members of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority board and construction partner personnel signed the beam before it was lifted into place.
“Topping out is the moment a building stops being a plan and starts being a place,” said Lew Bleiweis, president and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. “Every name on that beam belongs to someone who helped get us here. We’re proud to see the last piece of the structure go up, and even prouder of what it means for the travelers and the western North Carolina community we serve.”
The final construction phase includes demolition of the main entrance and south portion of the existing terminal, along with the former air traffic control tower. Work also includes construction of the new terminal’s grand lobby, south baggage claim area, administrative offices, permanent Transportation Security Administration checkpoint and south concourse.
“In July 2024, we celebrated the topping out of the first phase of construction. Getting to raise the final beam for the last phase is a full-circle moment for our team,” said Matthew DeCarli, project manager with construction partner Hensel Phelps.
“I’ve been with AVL Forward since the beginning, and it’s been a privilege to watch this terminal take shape alongside an airport team that has kept passengers moving through every step of construction. We’re proud to carry that momentum into the final stretch.”
The AVL Forward project launched in 2019, with construction beginning Aug. 11, 2023.
In June 2025, the airport began operating its checked baggage inspection system as the north ticketing area, temporary TSA checkpoint and north concourse opened.
The airport opened a partial new baggage claim area in April 2026, followed by a new rental car facility in May. The new air traffic control tower also began operating in May, clearing the way for the final phase of terminal construction.
The expansion is intended to increase the airport’s capacity and improve passenger facilities as it serves western North Carolina.