Myrtle Beach International Airport Faces Runway Challenges Due to Increased Flight Traffic
Myrtle Beach International Airport is experiencing a significant surge in flight traffic, leading to urgent concerns about the condition of its runway. With 3.8 million passengers recorded in 2024, the airport has hit an all-time high. This growth in air traffic is largely driven by travelers heading to various popular destinations, making it essential to explore what this means for the airport and the surrounding community.
Background on Myrtle Beach International Airport’s Growth
The airport has seen a remarkable increase in passengers, especially flights heading to Newark, New Jersey, where about 280,000 passengers fly daily. Following that are flights to New York City, with around 267,000 passengers each day, and Boston, attracting 244,000 passengers daily. This surge has positioned Myrtle Beach International Airport as the second busiest single-runway airport in the United States, just behind San Diego International.
Why This Growth Matters to the Community
This increase in air traffic is significant for Myrtle Beach, a popular tourist destination that draws visitors to South Carolina’s coast every year. However, it also reflects the growing number of local residents traveling to places like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Between 2019 and 2024, the passenger numbers show that about 34% of those flying from Myrtle Beach were locals, while 66% were visitors.
Impact of Increased Air Traffic on Infrastructure
The rapid rise in traffic at Myrtle Beach International Airport has led to concerns about its infrastructure, particularly the runway, which is quickly degrading. The airport’s assistant director, Ryan Betcher, notes that the airport has seen nearly 30,000 more local residents flying to New York and 6,500 to Philadelphia in 2024 alone. This trend highlights the growing need for improved airport facilities to handle the influx of both visitors and residents.
Recent Improvements Made at the Airport
In response to this growth, the airport has undertaken several improvements. A notable project was the terminal expansion, which added 50,000 square feet of space, six new gates, and upgraded amenities. This project was completed in November 2025 and cost about $98 million. Now, the airport is gearing up for a much larger undertaking.
Plans for Runway Reconstruction at Myrtle Beach International Airport
The airport is preparing to invest $160 million to reconstruct its only runway, which is nearing the end of its useful life. This project will be funded through a mix of federal, state, and airport reserve funds, ensuring that no local property tax dollars will be used.
Funding Breakdown for the Runway Project
Over $20 million from FAA grants
$22 million from a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant
More than $2 million from a property sale
$10.6 million from airport funds
Timeline for Runway Reconstruction Phases
The reconstruction will take place in two phases. The first phase is expected to begin in February 2026 and last until January 2028. This will involve constructing a temporary runway to maintain operations while the main runway is being rebuilt. The second phase, which will involve closing the existing runway, is projected to start in September 2028 and run through February 2029. This planning is aimed at minimizing disruptions during peak travel times.
Challenges Ahead for the Runway Project
While the temporary runway will allow for continued operations, there are challenges ahead. Betcher explained that converting this temporary runway into a second permanent one would require costly modifications to meet FAA standards. Moreover, the close proximity of the two runways would limit their simultaneous use, meaning a second runway would mainly serve as a backup.
“Despite a larger share of traffic being from visitors, especially during peak travel seasons, our local residents are a key part of this growth,” Betcher shared. “We actively share this data with our airline partners to encourage more flight options.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Myrtle Beach International Airport
The future of Myrtle Beach International Airport looks bright, yet challenging. As the airport continues to adapt to the demands of increased traffic, it is clear that the growth of Horry County will require ongoing investment in infrastructure. The expected growth in population and tourism will necessitate continued improvements to ensure the airport can meet the needs of both residents and travelers.
The airport must maintain a balance between accommodating visitors and local residents.
Investments in infrastructure will be critical as passenger numbers continue to rise.
Long-term planning will help mitigate operational disruptions during major projects.
As Myrtle Beach International Airport prepares for its runway reconstruction, the community remains hopeful that these efforts will enhance travel experiences and support the growing demands of this bustling coastal hub.
