A fifth runway and a taxiway extension have been announced for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, two projects that will expand the world’s sixth-busiest airport.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Jerry Orr, the airport’s director, told council members that a fifth runway is being planned. That project is expected to cost about $160 million, with construction possibly starting in 2014.

Also Monday, the council approved spending $6.9 million for the taxiway extension, which will be funded with $5.23 million in a Federal Aviation Administration grant and $1.74 million from the airport’s discretionary fund. The project will include drainage, paving and lighting work for the 2,900-foot taxiway extension and another connecting taxiway. Charlotte-based Talbert & Bright Engineering and Planning Consultants drew up plans for the project.

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