Hilton Head Airport: A Small Island Aviation Hub

Hilton Head Airport (FAA: HXD, IATA: HHH) is a small airport located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, covering 180 acres (53 ha) of land at an elevation of 19 feet (6 m). The airport, which opened in 1967, has a single runway measuring 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in length and 100 feet (30 m) in width. It offers a limited selection of flights to major hub airports, with daily year-round scheduled flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, and seasonal flights to Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia, and Newark. The airport is particularly convenient for travellers visiting Hilton Head Island and its nearby resorts and accommodations.

Runway length

The runway at Hilton Head Airport, the only one, is 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide. This single runway, designated 3/21, was extended in the summer of 2018 from 4,300 feet to its current length. The extension was part of a series of safety improvements, including relocating Taxiway A, adding airfield drainage components, and revising the general aviation parking area. The expansion has facilitated the addition of more direct flights to major cities and hubs.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had initially recommended extending the runway to 5,300 feet. However, due to public opinion on Hilton Head Island, the extension was limited to 5,000 feet. An earlier master plan from October 2010 had called for an even longer runway of 5,400 feet, but this proposal did not come to fruition.

The runway length at Hilton Head Airport is a significant consideration due to the airport's location on Hilton Head Island, an area with various geographical and environmental constraints. The airport covers 180 acres of land at an elevation of 19 feet. It is situated on the northern end of the island, providing convenient access to nearby resorts and vacation accommodations.

The runway length has implications for the types of aircraft that can operate at the airport. The extension to 5,000 feet has enabled the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as regional jets, and attract more air service providers. This has resulted in an increased number of direct flights to major hubs, enhancing the airport's connectivity and accessibility for passengers travelling to and from Hilton Head Island.

In addition to the runway length, other factors contribute to the overall aviation capacity and functionality of Hilton Head Airport. These include the size and layout of the terminal building, the availability of gates, and the efficiency of ground operations, including parking and taxiway management. The airport's ongoing improvements aim to balance infrastructure development with the surrounding natural environment and the needs of the local community.

Terminal building size

The current terminal building at Hilton Head Airport was built in 1995 and covers 18,000 square feet (1,700 square metres). The terminal has four airline gates and is located within easy reach of destinations across the island and nearby communities. All rental cars are within 200 feet of the terminal building. In 2023, the airport began construction on a terminal improvement project.

The airport covers 180 acres at an elevation of 19 feet. Its single runway, 3/21, measures 5,000 by 100 feet. The runway was extended from 4,300 feet to 5,000 feet in 2018, with the FAA recommending a further extension to 5,300 feet. However, due to public opinion, the extension was limited to 5,000 feet.

Hilton Head Airport is located on the northern end of Hilton Head Island, offering a small selection of flights to major hub airports. The airport provides daily nonstop flights to Charlotte and seasonal nonstop flights to Philadelphia, Washington, and other destinations. The airport is known for its convenient location, just minutes away from the ocean and various resorts.

The airport is easily accessible by taxi, rideshare, or rental vehicle, and it offers a hassle-free flight experience for visitors. It is known for its limited food options and parking spaces compared to larger airports. However, there is usually no shortage of parking spaces available. The airport opens 90 minutes before the first flight and closes one hour after the last flight.

Proximity to attractions

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) is located on the northern end of Hilton Head Island, just minutes from the ocean. The airport covers 180 acres of land at an elevation of 19 feet and has one runway that is 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.

The airport is conveniently located just a short drive from many attractions on the island. It is about a 10-minute drive to Palmetto Dunes, a popular recreation destination with golf courses and resorts. The Disney Hilton Head Island Resort is also located in this area. The airport is also a 15-minute drive from Sea Pines, home to the Sea Pines Resort, which hosts an annual PGA TOUR tournament, and the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Rings, an ancient archaeological attraction.

Old Town Bluffton is about a 25-minute drive from the airport and offers a glimpse into the island's rich history. Fort Howell and Fort Mitchel, which date back to the Civil War, are also located on the island and are easily accessible from the airport. The island's proximity to the Savannah River and Port Royal Sound also made it a strategically important location during the Civil War.

Hilton Head Island Airport is about a 45-minute drive from Montage Palmetto Bluff and the pristine beaches that the island is known for. With 12 miles of unspoiled beaches and dozens of resorts, hotels, and B&Bs, Hilton Head Island is a premier leisure and recreation destination on the Atlantic Coast.

Food and parking options

Hilton Head Airport covers 180 acres (53 ha) at an elevation of 19 feet (6 m) and has one runway. The airport provides a range of dining options for travellers. While specific restaurants are not mentioned, the airport's website mentions tasty food selections and unique shops available at the airport.

Parking at the airport is convenient, with a flat rate of $12 per day. The first 2 hours of parking are free. There is only one parking lot, and all airport parking is prepaid using automated parking machine kiosks located inside by the middle entrance of the terminal. To purchase a ticket, you will need your license plate number.

If you need to extend your parking due to a delayed flight or extended trip, you can do so online at www.ParkMobile.com or by calling 877-727-5714. You will need your license plate number and the zone where you parked (Lot 1 or Main Lot). Alternatively, you can download the ParkMobile app and manage your parking directly from your phone.

Airlines and destinations

Hilton Head Airport (FAA: HXD, IATA: HHH) is a small airport that has historically served as a hub for private jets and flights to Charlotte. However, since the expansion of its sole runway to 5,000 feet in length and 100 feet in width in 2018, the airport has attracted more commercial airlines and direct flights to other major cities and hubs.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers flights to/from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and seasonal Saturday/Sunday service to Washington Reagan Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.

United Airlines

United Airlines operates seasonal, twice-daily flights to/from Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, New York/Newark, and Washington, D.C.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines offers seasonal service to/from New York LaGuardia Airport.

Frequently asked questions