FLETCHER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Travelers flying through Western North Carolina will soon notice another major change at Asheville Regional Airport as the facility continues its long-term expansion.

Starting Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the airport will open its new rental car counters, marking another milestone in the ongoing AVL Forward modernization effort. Airport officials say the update is designed to make arrivals smoother and more intuitive for passengers as construction continues across the terminal.

Beginning with the first arriving flight that day, passengers needing rental cars will be directed to the new counters. After deplaning at the North Concourse, travelers will go through the ticket lobby and follow a clearly marked outdoor walkway to the rental car area, which is beside the new baggage claim.

The relocation is part of the broader AVL Forward Project, a multi-phase overhaul of the airport’s terminal and supporting infrastructure that began in 2019. Ground was broken in August 2023, and since then, the project has delivered a series of major upgrades.

Those improvements include the Checked Baggage Inspection System, the opening of the North ticket lobby, a new TSA security checkpoint and North Concourse completed in 2025, and the partial opening of a new baggage claim area in April 2026. Phase 2 construction began Oct. 22, 2025, and the full project is expected to wrap up between late 2027 and early 2028.

When complete, the expanded terminal will total about 335,000 square feet, giving passengers more space and streamlining the overall travel experience.

Airport officials are encouraging travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time while navigating ongoing construction.