Airports In South Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide

South Carolina is served by several airports, including both commercial and military airports. The state's primary commercial airports include Charleston International Airport, Myrtle Beach International Airport, Greenville Spartanburg International Airport, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and Florence Regional Airport. In addition to these, South Carolina is also home to reliever and general aviation airports, such as Rock Hill/York County/Bryant Field Airport, Beaufort County Airport, and Aiken Regional Airport.

Charleston International Airport

The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 26 and Interstate 526, and offers a free cell phone parking lot for passenger pick-ups. For short-term and long-term parking, surface or garage parking is available for up to 30 days. Rental cars are also available at the airport, with a rental car pavilion located adjacent to the terminal. The regional mass transit system, CARTA, serves the airport with a bus route that operates seven days a week, connecting the airport to downtown Charleston. The total trip time from the airport to downtown is usually 50–55 minutes.

The airport consists of four main areas: the military area to the west, the airline terminal to the south, the general aviation area to the east, and the Boeing assembly area to the south. Charleston International Airport and Charleston Air Force Base cover a combined area of 2,060 acres (830 ha) and have two runways. The airport has four airline concourses (Concourse A and Concourse B) with gates serving various airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, and British Airways, which operates a seasonal transatlantic flight to London's Heathrow Airport.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport. In 1941, it came under formal military control, and several combat units trained at the base during World War II. In 1947, most frontline passenger services relocated to the airport from Owens Field, which was located near downtown Columbia, making expansion impossible. The airport was renamed Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and a new terminal was built in the early 1950s. This terminal burned down and was replaced by the current terminal, which opened in 1965.

The airport is a hub for UPS Airlines and was previously a hub for Air South, a former low-cost carrier. It serves over 1.1 million passengers annually and employs more than 1,400 people. The terminal offers various services, including gift shops, the Everett Adams Memorial Chapel, restaurants, and bars. Free wireless internet service is provided throughout the airport, along with recharge stations.

In recent years, the airport has undergone capital improvements, including a renovated and expanded terminal, a new parking garage, longer runways, and improved interstate access. The airport is accessible for all travellers, with an online inclusive experience that allows passengers to access content and airport information barrier-free.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

The history of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport dates back to the mid-1950s when Roger Milliken, a textile heir and industrialist, collaborated with other Upstate business leaders to propose a shared airport for Greenville and Spartanburg. Before this, each city had its own airport and competed for airline services. The construction of the shared airport was approved in 1958, and it officially opened on October 15, 1962, becoming the primary airline destination in the region. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including terminal and cargo facility expansions in the 1980s and runway lengthening in the 1990s.

In 2004, the airfield was named after Roger Milliken, recognising his pivotal role in its establishment. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers in recent years, attributed to the arrival of low-cost carriers. Allegiant Air commenced flights to Florida in 2006, followed by Southwest Airlines, which began servicing five cities in 2011. This led to a remarkable 38% growth in passenger numbers between 2010 and 2011. In 2011, the airport received the ANNIE Award for being the fastest-growing small airport in the United States.

The airport covers 3,500 acres and features one runway, accommodating up to 250 passengers per hour through its immigration and customs checkpoints. It has a single terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A (gates A1–A9) and Concourse B (gates B1–B4). Concourse A is utilised by airlines such as American, Southwest, Silver Airways, Avelo Airlines, and United, while Concourse B is used by Allegiant Air and Delta.

Myrtle Beach International Airport

History

The airport was initially developed on land from a former army base that the federal government transferred in 1948 through the Surplus Property Act. The city of Myrtle Beach opted not to use the land for an airport, but funds from the property were designated for airport use. From 1958 to 1976, these funds were allocated to the Horry County Jetport in Crescent Beach, which later relocated to the northeast part of the base following an agreement for joint civilian and military use. In 1977, the City of Myrtle Beach annexed the area of Myrtle Beach Airport.

Until 1993, both MYR and Myrtle Beach AFB shared the main runway, restricting civil operations to 30 landings per day. This limitation sparked a local business movement advocating for the construction of a new airport. In 1993, the Air Force closed the base, and the runway was transferred to the Horry County Department of Airports.

On April 1, 1996, Myrtle Beach Airport became an international airport, with the grand opening of a new international terminal on August 21 of the same year. The airport has seen several airlines come and go over the years, including Piedmont Airlines (later acquired by USAir), Delta, Eastern commuter aircraft, American Eagle, and AirTran Airways.

Facilities and Expansion

The Myrtle Beach International Airport terminal is named after Dr. Wilford Leroy Harrelson, Myrtle Beach's first mayor. The airport covers 3,795 acres (1,536 ha) of land and has a single runway, 9,503 ft (2,897 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide. The airport offers a variety of dining, shopping, and activity options for travellers.

There have been recent plans and proposals for expansion to accommodate the growing number of travellers. In 2021, a 20-year plan was announced, aiming to double the number of gates and enhance parking options, including a potential parking garage. The plan also explores the possibility of adding more international flights and providing space for a major shipping distribution centre. In 2023, a $35 million expansion was announced, with the addition of 4-5 new gates, increased fuel storage capacity, an enhanced security checkpoint, and expanded restaurant and retail spaces.

Aiken Regional Airport

With over 43,000 annual aircraft operations, Aiken Regional Airport can easily accommodate various aircraft, including air taxis, military planes, single and multiple-engine planes, and jets. The airport has two runways available (01/19 and 07/25) and offers navigational aids such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Distant Measuring Equipment (DME).

The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 20, US 1 and 378, and South Carolina Route 19. It is also conveniently located just 22 miles east of Augusta, GA. Aiken Aviation Enterprises provides superior service and amenities, making it an ideal choice for Masters FBO and general and business aviation requirements in the area. They offer ample aircraft parking space and are the only FBO in Augusta to waive all fees with equivalent fuel purchases.

Aiken, South Carolina, is known for its historic homes, beautiful parkways, peaceful pathways, and lively downtown. Visitors are sure to fall in love with the quaint community and its unique charm. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or a new adventure, Aiken has something for everyone.

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