Airspace Around Myrtle Beach Airport: What You Need To Know

Myrtle Beach International Airport, also known as MYR, is a gateway to the world, with over 50 nonstop destinations and exceptional customer experience. The airport offers a variety of options for dining, shopping, and activities, and is served by eight airline partners. MYR has a rich history, starting as a former army base transferred by the federal government in 1948. It has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a new international terminal in 1996, and was designated as a launch abort site for the Space Shuttle. With its growing number of passengers each year, easy navigation, and friendly staff, Myrtle Beach International Airport is a popular choice for travellers.

History of Myrtle Beach Airport

The history of Myrtle Beach Airport can be traced back to 1948 when, through the Surplus Property Act, the federal government transferred property from a former army base to the city of Myrtle Beach. Interestingly, the city initially decided against using the property for an airport, but funds from the transfer were required to be allocated for airport development. As a result, from 1958 to 1976, the funds were directed towards the Horry County Jetport in Crescent Beach, which later moved to the northeast part of the base to facilitate joint civilian and military use.

In 1977, the City of Myrtle Beach annexed the area of Myrtle Beach Airport, officially establishing it as a dedicated aviation hub. However, it faced limitations during its early years, as both MYR and Myrtle Beach AFB shared the main runway, restricting civil operations to only 30 landings per day. This prompted a local business movement advocating for the construction of a new airport. In the 1980s, the airport was served by Piedmont Airlines, which was later acquired by USAir, along with Delta and Eastern commuter aircraft.

The early 1990s marked a significant shift with American Eagle becoming a prominent carrier at MYR. Their multiple daily ATR 72 flights to the American Airlines hub at Raleigh–Durham International Airport accounted for 12% of the airport's passenger traffic by late 1994. However, American Eagle's abrupt discontinuation of this route in December 1994 led to a temporary cessation of services to MYR and other secondary airports in the region.

On April 1, 1996, Myrtle Beach Airport attained international status, accompanied by the grand opening of a new international terminal on August 21 of the same year. This milestone was visually marked by the unveiling of a new logo, capturing the architectural design of the terminal and the allure of the beach with a painted window and a palm tree in blues and greens.

In the early 2000s, Myrtle Beach International Airport continued to evolve and adapt. Between 2003 and 2006, it served as the main hub for Hooters Air. During this period, the airport authority offered incentives such as discounted hangar space to attract Pace Airlines, the operator of Hooters Air, to relocate its operating base to Myrtle Beach. However, Pace ultimately decided to maintain its base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

In 2006, AirTran Airways discontinued its service to Atlanta, impacting passenger traffic as they were among the largest airlines serving the airport at the time. Direct Air stepped in to connect Myrtle Beach to various destinations from 2007 until 2012, when they abruptly ceased operations, causing a 16% slump in passenger traffic at the airport in 2012. Nonetheless, passenger numbers rebounded in 2013, and WestJet initiated service to Toronto that summer, showcasing the airport's resilience and ongoing development.

Airlines and destinations

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) offers over 50 nonstop destinations across the country, with low average fares and 8 to 10 airline partners to choose from. The airport has been nominated for the 'Best Small Airport' award in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

In the 1980s, Piedmont Airlines, later acquired by USAir, was one of the first airlines to serve Myrtle Beach, along with Delta and Eastern commuter aircraft. American Eagle became a major carrier in the early 1990s, operating multiple daily flights to Raleigh–Durham International Airport. However, they abruptly ended their service to MYR in December 1994. American Eagle resumed flights to Myrtle Beach in 2010 with a seasonal service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The airport has also been served by several other airlines over the years, including Hooters Air, which operated from 2003 to 2006, and AirTran Airways, which discontinued its service to Atlanta in 2006. Direct Air connected Myrtle Beach to various destinations from 2007 to 2012, and WestJet began service to Toronto in 2013.

Today, passengers can fly to destinations like Boston, Denver, Orlando, Akron-Canton, Charleston, Hartford, Providence, Tampa, Westchester County, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. With its convenient location, easy navigation, and friendly staff, Myrtle Beach International Airport is a great choice for travellers looking for a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.

Transport to/from the airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a straightforward airport with a single terminal for domestic and international passengers. The airport is located near several attractions, including a park, an aquatic centre, an entertainment complex, and the beach. MYR offers a variety of convenient travel options for passengers arriving or departing the airport.

Rental Cars

MYR's Car Rental Facility is open until midnight and offers eight national brands to serve your travel needs. However, due to contractual and parking capacity challenges, TURO rental vehicles are no longer available at the airport.

Taxis

Taxis are conveniently located outside Door 6 at Baggage Claim and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For pre-arranged pickups, taxis can be met in the short-term parking lot.

Rideshare

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft can also be used to get to and from the airport. Rideshare contractors cannot park and wait for passengers at the terminal building.

Public Transportation

A public bus with routes around the Grand Strand, including a stop at MYR, operates daily from 7 a.m.

Shuttles and Private Transfers

Several companies offer shuttle and private transfer services to and from the airport, including Jayride, which allows you to compare and book airport transfers in advance. Services range from private cars and shared shuttles to luxury vehicles.

Limousines

Limousines are also available for those who want to arrive or depart in style.

Dining and shopping

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) offers a variety of dining options for travellers on the go. If you're in the mood for a quick bite, you can choose from several cafes and fast-food restaurants, including Starbucks, the world's most well-known coffee shop, which offers hot drinks, coffees, lattes, espressos, teas, and bakery selections. For a quick service cafe experience, head to the Boardwalk Cafe, or grab a specialty cup of coffee at Caribou Coffee. If you're craving a classic chicken sandwich and some iconic waffle fries, Chick-fil-A, located near the escalators in the upper level, is a popular choice. For fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, there's Subway, conveniently located near the escalators in the upper level as well.

If you're looking for a sit-down meal, Pavilion Bar & Grill serves up hot food and cold drinks all day, with menu items including paninis, pizza, and sandwiches. Steak 'n Shake is another option, known for its hand-crafted 100% beef burgers seared on a fiery-hot grill. For a taste of Southern comfort food, try Nacho Hippo Cantina Maxima, located within the airport.

When it comes to shopping, MYR has got you covered for all your travel essentials and last-minute needs. Hudson News, located in the upper level, offers a wide selection of best-selling books, magazines, and travel essentials. You can also find phone chargers, souvenirs, and other items at the various shops throughout the airport.

If you're looking for dining and shopping options near the airport, there are several restaurants and establishments within a few miles, including Joe's Diner, Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, and Barnes and Noble.

Terminal facilities

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) has a variety of terminal facilities for travellers. The airport has a range of dining options, including the Boardwalk Cafe, Caribou Coffee, Chick-fil-A, Cinnabon, Pavilion Bar & Grill, and Subway. There are also several rental car companies operating at the airport, as well as ground transportation options such as taxi, hotel shuttle, rideshare, and public transportation. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, as well as a convenient curbside valet service.

The terminal building at Myrtle Beach International Airport has undergone renovations over the years, including in 2008 and 2010, to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The new terminal has increased seating capacity and a larger list of available destinations, making it a popular option for travellers from Canada and larger U.S. cities. The airport serves as a gateway to the Grand Strand, with over 60 miles of beaches and various attractions.

The dining options at the airport offer a variety of choices for travellers on the go. The Boardwalk Cafe, located on the first floor of the new terminal, is a quick-service cafe open to passengers and those waiting to pick them up. Caribou Coffee, the nation's second-largest java company, offers specialty coffee and espresso, while Chick-fil-A serves their famous chicken sandwich and waffle fries. Cinnabon is another sweet treat option before departing.

The Pavilion Bar & Grill is a chain restaurant that serves hot food and cold drinks all day, including paninis, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, shakes, and salads. Subway, the fast-food sandwich giant, is also conveniently located in the terminal, offering classic hot and cold subs with chips and drinks. These dining options provide a range of choices for travellers, whether they are looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal.

In addition to dining and transportation options, Myrtle Beach International Airport also offers a variety of shopping and activity options for travellers. The airport has been praised for its simple navigation, friendly staff, and smaller size, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for travellers.

Frequently asked questions