Greenville, Sc: Airport Or No?

Greenville, South Carolina is served by two airports: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU). Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is located along I-85, approximately 15 minutes from Greenville's downtown area. The airport is midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities of the Upstate region of South Carolina. Greenville Downtown Airport, on the other hand, is located only three miles from the heart of Greenville's downtown.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Greenville, South Carolina is serviced by two airports, one of which is the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). The airport is located along I-85, approximately 15 minutes from the heart of Downtown Greenville. It is also known as Roger Milliken Field and is situated near Greer, midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities of the Upstate region of South Carolina. The airport covers 3,500 acres and has one runway, measuring 11,001 ft x 150 ft.

GSP opened on October 15, 1962, replacing the Greenville Downtown Airport as the primary airline destination in the region. Before its construction, each city had its own airport and competed for airline service. In the mid-1950s, Roger Milliken, a textile heir and industrialist, worked with other business leaders to propose a shared airport for the two cities. The airport has since undergone expansions and improvements, including the addition of new routes and services.

GSP is the third-busiest airport in South Carolina, with over 2.56 million passengers in 2023. It has been recognised for its excellence, receiving awards such as the ANNIE Award in 2011 for being the fastest-growing small airport in the United States and the Airport Service Quality Award in 2022 for being the Best Small Airport in North America. The airport offers nonstop flights to 20 destinations and connects to over 200 cities through one-stop flights.

The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. It is served by seven major airlines, including Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. GSP provides convenient dining, shopping, and amenity options for travellers, and offers online parking reservations to save time and hassle.

Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU)

GMU covers 385 acres of land at an elevation of 1,048 feet. It features two intersecting runways, RWY 1/19 and RWY 10/28, and two asphalt helipads. The airport has a complex taxiway system that provides access to various businesses on the field, including FBO and ramp areas located in all four quadrants of the airport. Due to the high volume of vehicular traffic, including slower aircraft under tow and golf carts, pilots are advised to follow controller instructions and maintain vigilance when navigating the taxiways and runways.

In addition to its aviation facilities, GMU offers a variety of amenities for visitors. The Runway Cafe serves meals to travellers and airport guests. For those travelling with children, Runway Park provides a space for kids to play and learn about aviation. The airport also houses the Military History Museum, adding to the educational and entertainment offerings available at GMU.

The history of GMU dates back to 1928 when it opened as Greenville Municipal Airport. In 1930, it received its first airmail flight, and notable figures such as Amelia Earhart flew demonstration flights from this airport. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces utilised the airfield for training purposes, and it served as a supply and maintenance depot until it was returned to full civil control in October 1945. Commercial service moved to the Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport in 1962. Today, GMU continues to play a significant role in South Carolina's aviation landscape and has a substantial economic impact on the state.

Airport history

Greenville, South Carolina is serviced by two airports: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU).

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Before the construction of GSP, Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities of the Upstate region of South Carolina, each had their own airport and competed for airline service. In the mid-1950s, Roger Milliken, a textile heir, industrialist, and businessman, worked with other Upstate business leaders to get a shared airport for the two cities. In 1958, a proposal for an airport between the two cities was presented to the legislative delegation for the two counties, which approved the construction and the creation of an airport commission, headed by Milliken. GSP opened on October 15, 1962, replacing Greenville Downtown Airport as the primary airline destination in the region.

In the 1980s, GSP expanded its terminal and cargo facilities, and the runway was lengthened twice in the 1990s. In 2004, the airfield was named for Milliken. The airport covers 3,500 acres and has one runway, with one terminal building and two concourses. In 2012, the airport embarked on a four-year, $102 million terminal improvement program to modernize the terminal and improve passenger flow, as well as prepare for future expansion.

Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU)

The Greenville Downtown Airport is centrally located only three miles from the heart of Greenville's downtown. It is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina, providing a well-maintained and convenient landing spot for business, charter, and personal aircraft.

Airlines and destinations

Greenville, South Carolina is serviced by two airports: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU). GSP is located along I-85, approximately 15 minutes from the heart of Downtown Greenville. It is the third-busiest airport in South Carolina, with over 2.56 million passengers in 2023.

GSP is served by seven major airlines:

• Allegiant Airlines
• American Airlines
• Avelo Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

These airlines offer nonstop flights to 20 destinations and one-stop flights to over 200 cities. Some of the destinations served by GSP include:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando/Sanford
• St. Petersburg/Clearwater
• Charlotte
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Chicago–O'Hare
• New York–LaGuardia
• Washington–National
• Atlanta
• Baltimore
• Houston–Hobby
• Nashville
• Denver
• Newark
• Detroit

The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A (gates A1–A9) and Concourse B (gates B1–B4). Concourse A is used by American, Southwest, Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, and United. Allegiant Air and Delta use Concourse B.

The Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), on the other hand, is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina. It caters to business, charter, and personal aircraft.

Amenities

Greenville, South Carolina is serviced by two airports: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU). Both airports offer a range of amenities to cater to the needs of travellers.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

This airport is located along I-85, approximately 15 minutes from the heart of Downtown Greenville. It offers quick and efficient air transportation services to passengers and cargo. The airport has earned a reputation for its dedication to safety and its commitment to customer service and award-winning amenities. Here are some of the amenities available at GSP:

• Escape Lounge by Manchester Airports Group
• Fine dining options, including The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck restaurant
• One of the most extensive art collections of any small airport in the nation
• An Airside Garden—GSP was the first airport in the U.S. to offer this feature
• Nonstop service by seven airlines to over 20 destinations, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, and Denver
• Connections to hundreds of destinations worldwide
• Online parking reservations and ground transportation options
• Accessibility and special assistance services

Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU)

The Greenville Downtown Airport is centrally located just three miles from the heart of Greenville's downtown area. It is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina, catering to business, charter, and personal aircraft. Here are some of the amenities available at GMU:

• Runway Cafe, offering dining options
• Runway Park, a recreational space for children
• Military History Museum, providing a glimpse into the past

Both Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Greenville Downtown Airport offer a range of amenities to ensure a pleasant and convenient experience for travellers. Whether it's dining options, recreational spaces, or efficient transportation services, these airports cater to the diverse needs of their passengers and contribute to a positive travel experience in Greenville, South Carolina.

Frequently asked questions