August 19, 2025
The Southeastern US is experiencing a historic population shift. From booming metro areas like Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, and Raleigh to rapidly growing coastal hubs such as Charleston and Tampa, the region is attracting residents and businesses at a pace that shows no signs of slowing. With this growth comes a pressing need for infrastructure upgrades, and airports are feeling the pressure firsthand.
According to the US Census, “At nearly 132.7 million residents, the South is the most populous region. With a population gain of nearly 1.8 million — a change of 1.4% between 2023 and 2024 — the South added more people than all other regions combined, making it both the fastest-growing and largest-gaining region in the country.”
Migration Trends Reshaping the Region
Over the last decade, the Southeast has emerged as one of the country’s top destinations for both individuals and companies seeking affordability, access to talent, and a higher quality of life. States like Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee continue to see sustained population increases fueled by domestic relocation and corporate investment.
New residents mean new travel patterns, higher passenger volumes, and growing demand for both commercial and general aviation services.
“We’re seeing sustained growth across the board, not just in the major hubs,” said Chris Briggs, Aviation Practice Lead at S&ME. “Communities that were once considered secondary markets are now investing in airport infrastructure to support population growth, business travel, and increased tourism. It’s an exciting time to be involved in aviation.”
Airports at the Center of Growth
As populations surge, Southeastern airports are moving quickly to keep up. This includes everything from expanding terminals and runways to building new parking structures and upgrading baggage handling systems.
Passenger traffic at many mid-sized airports is reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In parallel, general aviation and business jet traffic are also on the rise, driven in part by corporate relocations and remote work flexibility. The result: airports are not only catching up, they are preparing for long-term, sustained growth.
“Airports are no longer just transportation hubs, they’re becoming economic development tools,” notes Client Developer, Mimi Wall, based in Charleston. “Communities are leaning into these projects because they recognize the long-term value they bring in terms of job creation, tourism, and connectivity. More specifically, Charleston International Airport (CHS) saw nearly 6.3 million travelers in 2024, breaking the previous record of 6.1 million. The airport is experiencing significant growth, with a major expansion project underway to increase capacity by 20-30%. S&ME is proud to have and also currently be working on several projects at CHS, including the recent $100M West Gates project that will add 40,000 square feet of passenger space and four new gates.”
Spotlight on Airport Expansion in the Southeast
Across the region, airports large and small are undergoing transformation:
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is planning major terminal upgrades and capacity improvements to accommodate Triangle-area growth.
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) is in the midst of a multi-billion-dollar expansion that includes new concourses, a hotel, and improved roadways.
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) is seeing increased demand from both tourism and a growing tech and manufacturing presence in the region.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) continues to construct phases of its $4 billion Destination CLT strategic growth plan, vital to the continued success of the world’s 7th busiest airport.
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is in the middle of its “HSV Refresh,” adding new restrooms, parking, rental car facilities, and upgraded passenger amenities to improve convenience and accessibility.
- Regional airports like Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Asheville (AVL), Lexington (LEX), Greensboro (GBO), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Knoxville (TYS) and Wilmington (ILM) are experiencing similar pressure to expand and modernize facilities.
Charlotte-based Client Developer, Jacob Mock, shares,
“Charlotte Douglas International has launched an ambitious development plan known as Destination CLT, a nearly $4 billion overhaul that’s modernizing terminal facilities, expanding concourses, and building a fourth parallel runway. CLT’s growth isn’t just about breaking travel records. It pumps roughly $40 billion annually into the Carolinas’ economy, supports over 167,000 jobs in North Carolina alone, and fuels state GDP at around 5% of North Carolina’s total.”
Engineering Solutions that Take Flight
Airport growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind the scenes, a network of consultants, engineers, and specialists are working hand-in-hand with airport leadership to ensure these projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
From environmental assessments and geotechnical investigations to construction materials testing and CE&I services, our teams support critical upgrades that enhance capacity, passenger experience, and long-term resilience.
Well-designed airport infrastructure ensures that Southeastern communities stay connected regionally, nationally, and globally as they continue to grow.
With continued migration expected in the years ahead, Southeastern airports will remain at the forefront of infrastructure investment. We anticipate a growing focus on sustainable design, multimodal integration, and smart technologies that enhance both safety and efficiency.
