Roberta Aguirre
Myrtle Beach International Airport, formerly known as Myrtle Beach Jetport, is a county-owned public airport in Horry County, South Carolina. The airport is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Myrtle Beach and offers over 50 nonstop destinations, low average fares, and exceptional customer experience. With more than 60 miles of beaches and numerous attractions, Myrtle Beach is one of the nation's top tourist destinations, making the airport a popular gateway for travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Myrtle Beach International Airport |
| Former Name | Myrtle Beach Jetport |
| Location | 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina, United States |
| Address | 1100 Jetport Road Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
| Website | flymyrtlebeach.com |
| Elevation | 25 feet (7.6 m) |
| Area | 3,795 acres (1,536 ha) |
| Runway | 18/36, 9,503 ft (2,897 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide |
| Number of Gates | 11 |
| Number of Aircraft Operations | 149,968 (in the year ending April 30, 2023) |
| Number of Aircraft Based at the Airport | 54 |
| Number of Nonstop Destinations | 50+ |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Myrtle Beach International Airport's history
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a public airport located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Myrtle Beach and is the second-largest airport in South Carolina, serving the Grand Strand area.
The history of Myrtle Beach International Airport can be traced back to the early 1930s when it was originally known as Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The airport was constructed by the United States Army Air Forces and opened in 1940 as a military training base for bomber aircraft. During World War II, the airport was used as a training facility for B-25 Mitchell bomber crews before they were deployed overseas. After the war, the airport was briefly used as a naval air station before being transferred back to the Air Force in 1954.
In the late 1950s, commercial airline service began at the airport, with Eastern Air Lines offering flights to Charleston and Charlotte. The airport was then renamed Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Civil Airport and began to serve a small number of commercial flights. In 1974, the Air Force base closed, and the airport was conveyed to the City of Myrtle Beach for use as a general aviation and commercial airport. The airport was renamed Myrtle Beach International Airport in 1978 to reflect its growing role as a gateway to the Grand Strand area.
The airport has seen several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing number of passengers and airlines serving the airport. A new terminal complex was completed in 1983, which included a larger concourse and improved baggage claim facilities. In the early 2000s, the airport underwent a significant expansion project, which included the addition of a new concourse, an expanded apron, and a new air traffic control tower.
Today, Myrtle Beach International Airport continues to be a important airport in South Carolina, serving both domestic and international destinations. The airport offers flights to major hubs across the United States, as well as seasonal international service to Canada and the Caribbean. With its convenient location and modern facilities, Myrtle Beach International Airport plays a crucial role in the region's tourism industry and contributes significantly to the local economy.
Orlando Airport Hotels: Convenient and Comfortable Layover Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Myrtle Beach Airport's expansion plans
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina. Formerly known as Myrtle Beach Jetport (1974–1989), it is the second busiest airport in South Carolina, with over 2.4 million passengers in 2018.
In 2021, the airport was working on a 20-year expansion plan, which included doubling the number of gates, adding a third terminal, and expanding existing terminals. However, these plans were not for immediate implementation, and it is unclear whether they have progressed since.
On June 30, 2022, airport officials discussed nearly $100 million expansion plans, which included adding five to six new aircraft gates at the end of concourse A, offering outdoor seating and expanded areas for vendors. This gate expansion is expected to cost about $70 million and is in the early design stages. Other short-term plans include adding another security checkpoint with up to four processing lanes, increasing long-term parking spaces by more than 400, and adding approximately 44 spaces in the cell phone/waiting parking area. Additionally, there are plans to increase jet fuel tank capacity.
Myrtle Beach International Airport offers over 50 nonstop destinations, exceptional customer experience, and the lowest average airfares in South Carolina. With a constant focus on improvement, the airport is committed to enhancing the travel experience for its passengers.
Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport: Completion Date and Future Plans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Myrtle Beach International's busiest routes
Myrtle Beach International Airport, also known as MYR, is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina. The airport offers over 50 nonstop destinations, exceptional customer experience, and the lowest average fares in South Carolina.
In 2021, Myrtle Beach International Airport was working on a 20-year plan to expand its terminal and more than double the number of gates. The plan also includes adding more international flights and potentially providing space for a major shipping distribution center.
Myrtle Beach International has been recognised as South Carolina's second-busiest airport, recording over 2.4 million passengers in 2018. In 2022, it achieved a new record, becoming the busiest airport in South Carolina for the months of June and July, accommodating nearly 548,000 passengers in July alone.
Some of the busiest routes from Myrtle Beach International Airport include:
- Nonstop services to Boston, Denver, and Orlando, offered by eight airline partners.
- Flights to 10 cities by Southwest Airlines, including Dallas, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, and Nashville.
- Seasonal service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport by American Airlines, which returned to Myrtle Beach in 2010.
- Service to Toronto, Canada, by WestJet, which began in the summer of 2013.
- Multiple daily ATR 72 flights to Raleigh–Durham International Airport by American Eagle in the early 1990s, accounting for 12% of the airport's passenger traffic at the time.
Maui Airports: Phone Numbers and Call Signs Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Myrtle Beach's former name
Myrtle Beach International Airport, located in South Carolina, was formerly known as Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This name change reflects the airport's transition from a military to a civilian facility. The airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1937 as a military training base for the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, it played a crucial role in training personnel for the war effort. After the war, it continued to serve as a strategic military base for various purposes, including housing fighter aircraft and providing support for the nearby Myrtle Beach Bombing Range.
In the 1970s, the Air Force began considering alternative uses for the base, and in 1975, it was decided that a joint civil-military use of the facility would be implemented. This decision marked a significant turning point in the history of the airport. The following years saw a gradual transition, with the Air Force presence decreasing and civilian operations expanding. This process culminated in the complete transfer of the airport to civilian control in 1993, when it was officially renamed Myrtle Beach International Airport.
The name change was a logical step in the airport's evolution, reflecting its new status and function. The word "international" was added to emphasize the airport's capacity to handle international flights and its potential as a gateway to the region for tourists and businesses alike. This new era saw the airport undergo significant developments and improvements to accommodate the growing demand for air travel to and from the Myrtle Beach area.
Today, Myrtle Beach International Airport is a modern and thriving transportation hub, serving millions of passengers each year. It offers a range of facilities and services, including multiple runways, a variety of airlines, and convenient access to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The airport's former life as a military base is not forgotten, however, and its history is commemorated through various displays and memorials located throughout the facility.
The transition from Myrtle Beach Air Force Base to Myrtle Beach International Airport reflects the changing needs and demands of the region. It stands as a testament to the area's growth and transformation, adapting to serve the community in the best possible way. The airport's former military heritage adds a unique layer to its story, and its current success as a civilian hub showcases the potential that can arise from such transitions.
Tolls to Orlando Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MYR's ranking in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach International Airport, also known as MYR, is a small-hub primary commercial service facility. It is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina, United States. The airport was formerly known as Myrtle Beach Jetport from 1974 to 1989 and is currently owned by the county. It is located on the site of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.
MYR airport has been recognised for offering the lowest average fares in South Carolina. In addition, it provides travellers with over 50 nonstop destinations and exceptional customer experience. The airport also offers a variety of options in dining, shopping, and activities for travellers. MYR has been nominated for the 'Best Small Airport' award in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
In terms of ranking, MYR is the second-busiest airport in South Carolina, with Charleston taking the lead. In 2018, MYR served over 2.4 million passengers (arriving and departing). The airport covers 3,795 acres (1,536 ha) of land and has a single runway that is 9,503 ft (2,897 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide. The Terminal Building is named after Dr. Wilford Leroy Harrelson, Myrtle Beach's first mayor.
MYR has a helipad for charter tour companies and an air cargo building that is mainly used for storage. The airport has been working on a 20-year expansion plan to increase the number of gates, improve parking, add more international flights, and potentially provide space for a major shipping distribution centre. The proposal includes doubling the current 11 gates to 23 or 25, with the additional gates built on the east side of the airport. The plan was finalised and presented to the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of 2021.
Chicago's Midway Airport: A Sprawling Transportation Hub
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The official name of the airport in Myrtle Beach is Myrtle Beach International Airport.
The IATA code for the airport is MYR. Its ICAO code is KMYR, and its FAA LID code is also MYR.
From 1974 to 1989, the airport was known as Myrtle Beach Jetport.
Myrtle Beach International Airport is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina, US. It is a county-owned public-use airport with the lowest average fares in South Carolina. The airport offers over 50 nonstop destinations and exceptional customer experience.
