myrtle beach airport

20-Year Plan Will Significantly Expand Myrtle Beach International Airport

If the current rate of passengers coming through Myrtle Beach International Airport continues at the same pace, the airport will not be able to sustain the influx. A 20-year plan is being created to try to keep up with the growing number of passengers.

Scott Van Moppes, Horry County Director of Airports, said that “two years from now, according to the forecast, we’re going to be undersized for the number of people traveling through the airport.”

Two proposals have been enacted to increase the size of the airport – one would increase the number of gates to 23 and one would increase the number of gates to 25. In addition to gate space, the proposals also call for more parking and an increase in the number of international flights.

Officials are also discussing the possibility of adding space for a shipping distribution center for companies like FedEx and Amazon.

It is expected that a finalized plan will be presented to the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of 2021.

News

New Nonstop Flights Coming to Myrtle Beach in April

Flying is about to get a little less cumbersome for some travelers with the addition of two new nonstop flights at Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Delta Airlines recently announced they are adding a daily nonstop flight to the Grand Strand area. Beginning April 12th, travelers will now be able to fly nonstop from Myrtle Beach International Airport to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

According to Scott Van Moppes, director of airports, the nonstop flight is a great addition to the Myrtle Beach area. In a statement on the new addition, Scott Van Moppes said, “Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is a global hub for Delta Airlines, and will provide passengers from the Grand Strand even more convenient options for traveling to Minneapolis/St. Paul, destinations across the United States and internationally. Delta has been an integral partner of the Myrtle Beach International Airport and our local community and we thank them for their continued support.”

Spirit Airlines also recently announced the addition of a nonstop flight from Myrtle Beach International Airport to Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio. The nonstop airline service will begin on April 15th but will only occur on Thursdays and Sundays.

News

Horry County Plans To Sue Myrtle Beach Over Sale of Campground

Horry County is planning to sue the city of Myrtle Beach following a push by city officials to sell campground land, which directly benefits the Myrtle Beach International Airport.

A lis pendens was filed in court last week, which signals a “suit pending.” The court document highlights the 145 acres of contentious land inside the Lakewood Camping Resort and Pirateland Family Camping Resort that the city of Myrtle Beach plans on selling.

The Myrtle Beach City Council voted in November to sell the land. However, a second vote is needed and should occur in the next month or so.

Horry County officials directly oppose the sale of the land, citing its numerous benefits to the airport and the alleged overreach of legal obligations to the county.

“We’re going to do what we can do legally to protect that property so that we can protect the airport. The airport’s important to Horry County. The sole purpose of the money generated from [the properties] is to support the airport. If that is sold and that money goes somewhere else, it won’t be supporting the airport,” said Johnny Gardner, Horry County Council Chairman.

The court filings came as a shock to Myrtle Beach officials and it is unclear at this time how these actions may affect the next city council vote on the proposed sale of the land.

Featured

It’s Your Turn To Be A Tourist With These Awesome Seasonal Flights

Image Credit: Myrtle Beach International Airport

Living in a tourist town like Myrtle Beach can be exhausting- the crazy drivers, constant busy shopping centers, and crowded restaurants. The only way to get away and relax is to be a tourist yourself in another city. And it’s surprisingly easy!

Check out some of these cheap, seasonal direct flights out of the Grand Strand to some unique cities:

Spirit Airline:

Baltimore, Maryland:

You’ll want to pack a good set of walking shoes to stroll along the Inner Harbor and make your way through the Baltimore Museum of Art, where you will find impressionist paintings from the likes of Matisse, Picasso, and Cezanne. If admiring art isn’t your thing, visit the Federal Hill Park or catch a baseball game at Camden Yards before indulging your taste buds with a city favorite, blue crabs. For the explorers, head to Druid Hill Park to see the Maryland Zoo and stop by Mount Vernon to see Baltimore’s Washington Monument. Art enthusiast, foodies, and history buffs alike will revel in the colorful neighborhoods in this city.

Niagara Falls, NY:

The waterfalls are the main attraction here, and there is a variety of ways to view them: from the bottom on the legendary Maid of the Mist boat tours, from behind the caves accessible by elevator, from the sky hovering in helicopters, or gazing from observation towers. But away from these falls, both New York and Canadian sides offer various activities to keep visitors entertained. Accompanied by children, this area hosts many family-friendly attractions, including Old Fort Niagara and the Niagara SkyWheel. If you do not have kids in tow, try your hand at the Niagara Fallsview Casino or sample some of the areas famous ice wine at the Inniskillin Winery.

Dallas/ Fort Worth, TX:

If you only have a day or two, you will have to choose between Dallas or Fort Worth: the sheer distance (and traffic) between the two cities will require you to be selective. However, if you get to explore both Dallas and Fort Worth, you will be able to experience the Metroplex’s true nature. History buffs should tour Dallas’ Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza as well as the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Families can enjoy a day at the Dallas World Aquarium or the Fort Worth Zoo, while art lovers should make time for both the Dallas Museum of Art and the Kimbell Art Museum. Then meet in the middle for a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium.

Frontier Airline:

Denver, CO:

Denver makes a great starting place for travelers venturing into the Rockies. Those looking for a mountain experience can spend some time driving along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. But be sure to devote some time to all that the Mile High City has to offer. Denver is home to numerous museums, galleries and restaurants. Sports fans are drawn to the lights of Coors Field and Sports Authority Field at Mile High, while families can spend hours exploring the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the Denver Zoo.

Providence, RI:

Providence’s top to-dos fit right in with its collegiate culture. When you’re not admiring the more than 91,000 works on display at the RISD Museum, marvel at the historic Colonial houses stationed along Benefit Street. Or, for an even more impressive architectural display, simply glance up at the dome of the State House, the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world. Traveling with kids? Rhode Island’s capital has you covered there, too, thanks to the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Allegiant Airline:

Louisville, KY:

Just about everybody recommends a visit to Churchill Downs, home of the famous Kentucky Derby. And if you’re not going to a race, you can at least enjoy the comprehensive Kentucky Derby Museum that sits on the grounds and details horse racing’s history and traditions. More of a baseball fan? You’ll want to set aside a few hours to peruse the Louisville Slugger Factory & Museum and maybe even catch a minor league game at the Louisville Slugger Field. When you’re ready for a Derby City history lesson, head to the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum before admiring the grand Victorian homes of Old Louisville.