The Size Of Greenville, Sc Airport And Its Future Plans

Greenville, South Carolina is serviced by two airports: Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU). Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport, also known as Roger Milliken Field, is located near Greer, South Carolina, United States, midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities of the Upstate region of South Carolina. The airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility and is the third-busiest airport in South Carolina. Greenville Downtown Airport, on the other hand, is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport's history

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, also known as Roger Milliken Field, is located near Greer, South Carolina, United States, between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities of the Upstate region of South Carolina. Before the construction of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville and Spartanburg had separate airports and competed for airline service. With the onset of the Jet Age, these smaller airports were no longer adequate to meet future aviation demands.

In the mid-1950s, Roger Milliken, a textile heir, industrialist, and businessman, joined forces with other Upstate business leaders, including Charlie Daniel, to propose a shared, modern airport for the two cities. They identified Flatwood, a rural farming community with long stretches of flat land between Greenville and Spartanburg, as the ideal location for the new regional airport. The process of acquiring the land began in late 1958, and construction commenced in 1961. The airport's dedication took place on November 2, 1962, and the first commercial flight, Eastern Airlines flight 580, arrived at 7:33 a.m. on October 15, 1962. GSP was the first modern airport built from scratch and introduced innovations such as lights installed in the pavement of its runway.

Over the years, the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has undergone expansions and improvements. In the 1980s, the airport expanded its terminal and cargo facilities, and the runway was lengthened twice in the 1990s. In 2004, the airfield was named for Milliken, honouring his contributions to its establishment. The airport has also received accolades, including being named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in South Carolina. In 2012, the airport embarked on a four-year, $102 million terminal improvement program aimed at modernizing the terminal, enhancing passenger flow, and preparing for future expansion.

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has experienced growth in passenger numbers, attributed to the arrival of low-cost carriers. Allegiant Air initiated flights to Florida in 2006, and Southwest Airlines began servicing five cities in 2011, contributing to a significant increase in passenger traffic. In 2011, the airport was recognised as the fastest-growing small airport in the United States by Airline and Airport News & Analysis, receiving the ANNIE Award. The airport has also received multiple Airport Service Quality Awards from Airports Council International in 2022, highlighting its commitment to providing a superior airport experience.

The airport's terminals and concourses

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, also known as Roger Milliken Field, is located near Greer, South Carolina, United States, midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The airport consists of a single terminal with two concourses (Concourse A and Concourse B) and 13 gates, all connected via walkways. The airport has a wide range of amenities, including vending machines, a food court, a full-service restaurant, gift shops, ATMs, conference rooms, business workstations, shoe shine services, and Wi-Fi.

The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport has a compact and easy-to-navigate terminal layout. Once passengers clear security, they are essentially in the middle of everything and can easily reach their gates by following the signs. The walk between Concourse A and Concourse B is short and straightforward, making it convenient for those connecting flights. The main security checkpoint is located in the centre of the terminal, between the two concourses, with additional checkpoints at the entrance of each concourse. The airport offers a TSA PreCheck program for eligible passengers, allowing them to use a dedicated lane for expedited security screening.

Concourse A is used by American, Southwest, Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, and United, while Concourse B is used by Allegiant Air and Delta. The airport can handle up to 250 passengers per hour through immigration and customs checkpoints. FedEx has a major package facility on the north end of the airport, and BMW has a facility that supports the easy transfer of arriving parts to its nearby manufacturing plant.

In 2012, the airport underwent a $102 million terminal improvement program to modernise the terminal, improve passenger flow, and prepare for future expansion. Future plans include the possibility of expanding the terminal by 300% of its current capacity and adding a second runway parallel to the existing one. The airport has also been recognised for its service quality, receiving five 2022 Airport Service Quality Awards from Airports Council International.

Awards and recognition

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has received numerous accolades and awards in recognition of its exceptional service and commitment to passenger satisfaction. The airport has consistently ranked highly in the Airport Council International's Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, securing top honours for three consecutive years.

In 2024, GSP was recognised as the best small airport in North America by the Airport Service Quality Awards. This award acknowledged the airport's outstanding performance in five categories: best airport for 2 to 5 million passengers, most dedicated staff, easiest airport journey, most enjoyable, and cleanest. The awards are based on direct feedback from travellers, making this recognition especially meaningful as it reflects the airport's dedication to prioritising passenger experiences.

GSP's President and CEO, Dave Edwards, expressed his gratitude for the awards, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the entire GSP team and their partners. He emphasised their commitment to not just meeting but setting the standards for customer satisfaction and airport excellence.

In addition to the ASQ Awards, GSP was named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in South Carolina. This recognition highlights the airport's commitment to creating a positive work environment and contributing to the economic growth of the state. Furthermore, the airport's President and CEO, David N. Edwards, Jr. A.A.E., was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). This award recognised his exemplary career and significant contributions to the airport industry.

Location and nearby facilities

Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (IATA: GSP, ICAO: KGSP, FAA LID: GSP), also known as Roger Milliken Field, is located near Greer, South Carolina, United States. The airport is situated midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina. It is mostly in Spartanburg County, with a portion in Greenville County, and is in an unincorporated area adjacent to sections of Greer.

The airport is easily accessible from both Greenville and Spartanburg, with major roadways providing connections to the airport from the surrounding areas. Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport serves as a "gateway" to Upstate South Carolina, offering quick and efficient air transportation services to passengers and cargo.

The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A (gates A1–A9) and Concourse B (gates B1–B4). The check-in level is the same for all passengers, and the terminal has been recently improved to modernise the facility and enhance passenger flow. Concourse A is used by American, Southwest, Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, and United, while Concourse B is used by Allegiant Air and Delta.

There are a variety of facilities and amenities available at the airport, including an Escape Lounge by Manchester Airports Group, fine dining options such as The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, and one of the most extensive art collections of any small airport in the nation. The airport also has a strong focus on safety and customer service, which has earned it a positive reputation.

In addition to passenger services, the airport also handles cargo operations. FedEx has a major package facility on the north end of the airport, and BMW has a facility nearby that supports the easy transfer of arriving parts to its manufacturing facility. The airport has also established international cargo services, with regular flights to Germany operated by Senator International and Air Atlanta Icelandic.

Passenger capacity and experience

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. In this article, we will focus on GSP, which has been recognised as one of the best airports in North America for three consecutive years.

GSP has the capacity to handle up to 2.5 million passengers annually, with the ability to process 250 passengers per hour through immigration and customs checkpoints. The airport has earned a reputation for its dedication to safety, commitment to customer service, and award-winning amenities. It has received accolades for the best airport in its size category (2 to 5 million passengers), as well as for having the most dedicated staff, the easiest airport journey, and the most enjoyable and cleanest airport.

GSP offers a range of services and facilities to enhance the passenger experience. The airport provides quick and efficient transportation services, with nonstop service by seven airlines to over 20 destinations and convenient connections to hundreds of worldwide destinations. These airlines include major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

The airport also boasts an impressive array of amenities, including an Escape Lounge by Manchester Airports Group, fine dining options like The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, and one of the most extensive art collections of any small airport in the nation. GSP was also the first airport in the US to offer an Airside Garden, showcasing its commitment to providing a unique and enjoyable experience for travellers.

Additionally, GSP has a major package facility operated by FedEx on its north end, and BMW has a facility nearby that supports the easy transfer of arriving parts to its manufacturing plant. These cargo services further contribute to the airport's capacity and overall functionality, making it a vital hub for both passengers and businesses in the region.

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