Savannah Airport: Serving Two Cities, One Destination

where is savannah hilton head airport

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (IATA: SAV, ICAO: KSAV, FAA LID: SAV) is located in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. Covering 3,650 acres, it is situated 8 miles northwest of the Savannah Historic District and provides access not only to Savannah but also to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and neighbouring areas.

Characteristics Values
Name Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Previous Names Savannah International Airport, Travis Field, Chatham Field, Hunter Field
Location Savannah, Georgia, United States
Distance from Savannah Historic District 7 nautical miles or 8 miles (13 km) northwest
Elevation 50 ft. (15 m) above mean sea level
Area 3,650 acres (1,477 ha)
Number of Runways 2
Runway Surface Concrete
Number of Aircraft Operations (as of July 31, 2023) 112,822 (average of 309 per day)
Breakdown of Aircraft Operations 49% general aviation, 14% air taxi, 33% scheduled commercial, 4% military
Number of Aircraft Based at the Airport 150
Types of Aircraft Based at the Airport 82 single-engine, 27 multi-engine, 29 jet, 4 helicopter, 8 military
Ownership City of Savannah
Management Savannah Airport Commission
Access Directly accessible from Interstate 95

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The airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, US, and serves Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, US, and serves Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as well as neighbouring areas including Bluffton and Beaufort in South Carolina, and the Golden Isles region of Coastal Georgia. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. It is situated eight miles (13 km) northwest of the Savannah Historic District and is directly accessible from Interstate 95.

The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres (1,477 ha) and sits at an elevation of 50 ft. (15 m) above mean sea level. It features two runways with concrete surfaces and a passenger terminal. For the 12-month period ending July 31, 2023, the airport recorded 112,822 aircraft operations, averaging 309 per day. During this period, there were 150 aircraft based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and military aircraft.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has undergone several name changes over the years. It was originally known as Savannah Municipal Airport when it opened in 1929, providing air service between New York City and Miami. In 1932, it was renamed Hunter Field, and a trolley car served as its first terminal. With the increasing military presence during World War II, the U.S. Army Air Corps proposed taking over Hunter Field, prompting the city to build a second municipal airport.

The City of Savannah acquired a 600-acre tract near Cherokee Hill, one of the county's highest elevations, for the construction of the new airfield. Works Progress Administration funds supported this project. The airport had its first international services in 1992, with non-stop flights to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico operated by Key Airlines. In 1983, the airport was renamed Savannah International Airport, and in 2003, it became known as Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

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It covers 3,650 acres at an elevation of 50 feet above sea level

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport covers a vast area of 3,650 acres, which equates to 1,477 hectares of land. This large area is maintained at an elevation of 50 feet, or 15 metres, above mean sea level. The airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, in the United States, and is owned by the City of Savannah. It is situated 8 miles (or 13 kilometres) northwest of the Savannah Historic District.

The airport's elevation and size are important factors in its operations. The elevation of 50 feet above sea level is a key characteristic of the airport's geographical position and plays a role in aviation calculations and aircraft performance. The elevation can impact aircraft takeoff and landing distances, as well as engine performance and fuel efficiency. The elevation also influences the airport's weather patterns and local climate. Being 50 feet above sea level can provide a slight advantage in terms of cooler temperatures during hot weather spells, as well as offering some protection from potential flooding events.

The airport's expansive coverage of 3,650 acres allows for a range of facilities and infrastructure. This includes two runways with concrete surfaces, a passenger terminal, and various support buildings. The large area also accommodates aircraft parking and maintenance facilities, cargo operations, and the necessary navigational aids and safety zones. The size of the airport enables efficient aircraft movement and ground handling operations, ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing potential delays.

The size and elevation of the airport also have implications for local wildlife and the surrounding environment. The 3,650 acres of land encompass various ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and potentially forested areas. The elevation of 50 feet places the airport within a specific ecological zone, influencing the types of plant and animal species found in the vicinity. The airport's location and size thus present unique ecological considerations and opportunities for conservation initiatives.

The elevation and area covered by the airport also have historical significance. The site was chosen due to its elevation, being one of the highest points in the county. This strategic choice was made by the City of Savannah to avoid potential flooding issues and to provide optimal conditions for aircraft operations. The airport's construction began with the acquisition of a 600-acre tract of land near Cherokee Hill, marking the beginning of what would become the expansive 3,650-acre international airport serving Savannah and Hilton Head Island.

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It has two runways and, as of 2023, 150 aircraft are based there

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a commercial and military airport in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres at an elevation of 50 feet above mean sea level.

The airport has two runways with concrete surfaces. In the 12 months ending July 31, 2023, the airport recorded 112,822 aircraft operations, averaging 309 per day. These operations included general aviation, air taxi, scheduled commercial, and military flights.

As of 2023, 150 aircraft are based at the airport, comprising single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and military aircraft. The breakdown included 82 single-engine, 27 multi-engine, 29 jets, 4 helicopters, and 8 military aircraft.

The airport has undergone various construction projects to accommodate its rapid growth in passengers. The first Savannah Municipal Airport opened in 1929, providing air service between New York City and Miami. Over time, the airport has had different names, including Hunter Field, Savannah International Airport, Travis Field, and Chatham Field. Today, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport serves travellers visiting Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and neighbouring areas.

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The airport's previous names include Savannah International Airport, Travis Field, and Chatham Field

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It is a commercial and military-use airport that provides travellers with access to Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as well as neighbouring areas including Bluffton and Beaufort, South Carolina, and the Golden Isles region of Coastal Georgia. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. It covers an area of 3,650 acres at an elevation of 50 ft above mean sea level.

The airport has had several previous names, including Savannah International Airport, Travis Field, and Chatham Field. In 1929, the first Savannah Municipal Airport was opened with the inauguration of air service between New York City and Miami. In 1932, the airport was named Hunter Field, and a trolley car served as its first terminal. During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Corps utilised Hunter Field, and the city constructed a new airfield, which later became Chatham Field, named by the U.S. Army Air Corps. This airfield served as a bomber base and crew training base for B-24 bombers and fighter aircraft.

In 1948, the airfield was turned over to the Georgia Air National Guard, and the airport was renamed Travis Field, honouring Brigadier General Robert F. Travis and his brother, Colonel William Travis, who were killed in a B-29 bomber crash. In 1965, the jet age arrived at Travis Field with Delta Air Lines introducing Douglas DC-9-10 flights. In 1983, the airport was renamed Savannah International Airport, reflecting the addition of international flights. However, in 1993, the airport ceased international operations temporarily due to financial difficulties.

In 2003, the airport was renamed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Despite its name, the airport did not resume international service until 2017 when Air Canada began seasonal service between Toronto and Savannah, which has since ceased. The airport has consistently ranked highly in travel awards, recognised for its accessibility, shopping, check-in process, security, restaurants, and cleanliness. Construction projects are underway to expand TSA security lanes and add new gates and parking lots to accommodate the increasing passenger volume.

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Construction is underway to expand the airport, with new lanes, gates, and parking lots

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The airport is accessible from Interstate 95, approximately 8 miles (13 km) northwest of the Savannah Historic District. It is a commercial and military-use airport, providing access to Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as well as neighbouring areas.

To accommodate the increasing number of passengers travelling through the airport each year, construction projects are currently underway to expand various facilities. One of the key focuses of this expansion is the TSA security lanes. The addition of new lanes and upgraded X-ray technology will streamline the security checkpoint process, enhancing efficiency and convenience for travellers. It is expected that by fall 2024, there will be six TSA security lanes available for passengers.

In addition to the security lane expansion, construction is also planned for four new gates, with an expected completion date of November 2025. This gate expansion project will not only increase the airport's capacity to accommodate more flights and passengers but also includes the addition of a new dining area, further enhancing the overall airport experience.

To address the growing demand for parking, construction is expected to commence in 2024 on two new surface parking lots near the terminal. These new parking lots will provide much-needed additional space for airport visitors and are likely to result in increased parking prices, as airport staff have indicated that rates have remained unchanged since 2008.

The airport's ongoing construction projects, including the Taxiway G and Bridge Expansion, are designed to cater to the rising passenger numbers and ensure a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience. With these improvements, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport aims to maintain its reputation as a top-rated airport, recognised by accolades such as the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.

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Frequently asked questions

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It is about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of the Savannah Historic District.

The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres at an elevation of 50 feet (15 meters) above mean sea level. It has two runways with concrete surfaces and is used for both commercial and military purposes.

The airport is currently undergoing construction to expand the TSA security lanes, add four gates, and build two new surface lots for airport parking. There is also ongoing work on the Taxiway G and Bridge Expansion project, which includes the construction of another bridge over the Savannah River to reduce traffic congestion.

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