South Carolina's Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

South Carolina, a state in the USA, is served by a number of airports, including publicly owned airports with scheduled passenger services, and general aviation airports. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is one of the best places to work in South Carolina, and Avelo Airlines recently expanded its presence there by adding a third route.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

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 airport can handle up to 250 passengers per hour through immigration and customs checkpoints. In 2012, a $102 million terminal improvement program was initiated to modernize the terminal, improve passenger flow, and prepare for future expansion.

Publicly-owned airports

South Carolina has a range of publicly-owned airports, which are airports that receive scheduled passenger service and have more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year. These airports are further classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into four "hub" types: Large hub, Medium hub, Small hub, and Nonhub.

One example of a publicly-owned airport in South Carolina is the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). GSP has been recognised as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in South Carolina and offers new nonstop flights from Delaware’s Wilmington Airport (ILG). The Greenville-Spartenburg Airport District recently appointed Thomas Brooks as its new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with Kirk Eickhoff serving as Senior Vice President and CFO. Construction on airport roadways may impact visits to GSP, as part of the Terminal Roadway Improvement Project (TRIP).

Another publicly-owned airport in South Carolina is the Charleston International Airport (CHS). This airport serves the city of Charleston and is located in the town of North Charleston. The airport offers a variety of services and amenities for passengers, including restaurants, shops, and a business lounge.

Additionally, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is a publicly-owned airport serving the city of Columbia, the state capital of South Carolina. This airport offers a range of commercial passenger services and is classified as a "Nonhub" by the FAA, accounting for less than 0.05% of total US passenger enplanements but still exceeding 10,000 annual enplanements.

The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is also a publicly-owned airport in South Carolina, serving the city of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area. This airport is known for its convenient location and easy access, providing a gateway to the many golf courses, beaches, and other attractions that the region has to offer.

Military airports

During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) established multiple airfields in South Carolina for anti-submarine defence in the Gulf of Mexico and for training pilots and aircrews for USAAF fighters and bombers. Most of these airfields were commanded by Third Air Force or the Army Air Forces Training Command (AAFTC). However, other USAAF support commands, such as the Air Technical Service Command (ATSC) and the Air Transport Command (ATC), maintained a large base in Charleston with remnants of these wartime airfields still remaining. Many were converted into municipal airports, some were returned to agricultural use, and several were retained as United States Air Force installations, serving as front-line bases during the Cold War.

There are several military airports in South Carolina, including:

• Charleston Air Force Base: This airport was established during World War II and continued to serve as a front-line base during the Cold War. It is located 10.6 miles (17.1 km) northwest of Charleston.
• Former Airfields: While not all World War II-era airfields remained as military airports, some were converted into municipal airports or retained for other purposes. Hundreds of temporary buildings from these airfields are still standing and being used for various functions.

The state's military airports cater to the specific needs of military operations, with some supporting training programmes for pilots and aircrews, while others focus on defence initiatives or serve as reliever airports to reduce congestion at commercial hubs. These airports play a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and responsiveness of the military forces based in South Carolina.

Additionally, it is worth noting that South Carolina's military airports operate under the guidance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are an integral part of the state's aviation infrastructure, working in conjunction with public-use and private-use airports to serve the diverse aviation needs of the region.

Private-use airports

South Carolina has a variety of private-use airports, which are often smaller airports located outside of the cities they serve. These airports may be former public-use airports, have commercial enplanements recorded by the FAA, or be assigned an IATA airport code. Here is a detailed list of some of the private-use airports in South Carolina:

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP):

Located in Greer, South Carolina, GSP serves the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg. The airport has been recognised as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in South Carolina. It offers nonstop flights to a range of destinations, including Delaware's Wilmington Airport (ILG). Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport also caters to cargo services, with scheduled services to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. The airport is currently undergoing a Terminal Roadway Improvement Project (TRIP), which may impact travel to and from the airport.

Other private-use airports in South Carolina include those that serve smaller towns and communities. These airports often provide general aviation access and support the larger commercial service airports. While the specific details of these private-use airports are not readily available, they contribute to the state's aviation network and provide alternative options for pilots and travellers.

South Carolina's private-use airports cater to a range of aviation needs, from general aviation to commercial and cargo services. These airports, including the well-known Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, offer convenient options for travellers and support the state's thriving aviation industry. By providing essential aviation access, these private-use airports play a vital role in connecting communities and facilitating travel within and beyond South Carolina.

Commercial service airports

South Carolina has several commercial service airports. These are publicly owned airports that receive scheduled passenger services and have more than 10,000 passenger boardings (enplanements) annually. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is one such airport, serving the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg. The airport has been recognised as one of the "Best Places to Work in South Carolina" in 2023. It offers services from airlines such as Avelo, which has recently expanded its footprint by adding a third route with new nonstop flights from Delaware's Wilmington Airport. The airport also provides scheduled cargo services to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport.

Another example is the Charleston International Airport (CHS), which serves the city of Charleston and its surrounding areas. This airport is known for its convenient location and easy accessibility, providing travellers with a range of options for ground transportation, including rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The airport has a variety of dining and shopping options available, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers.

Additionally, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) serves the capital city of Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina. This airport is known for its focus on passenger convenience and offers a range of services and amenities to ensure a smooth travel experience. It features modern terminals, efficient security checks, and a variety of dining and retail options. The airport also provides easy access to nearby attractions and destinations, making it a convenient gateway to the region.

Finally, the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a vital gateway to the Grand Strand region of South Carolina. Serving both domestic and international travellers, this airport offers a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its diverse passenger base. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Myrtle Beach International Airport strives to provide efficient and secure operations, making it a preferred choice for travellers visiting the area. These airports play a significant role in facilitating travel and tourism in South Carolina, contributing to the state's economy and cultural exchange.

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