December marks a major milestone for the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) as airport and Horry County officials formally unveiled the expanded A-Concourse, a project more than a year in the making. The update adds six new gates to the terminal, increasing total gate capacity from 12 to 18 and allowing for more flights, easier scheduling and smoother passenger flow.
During a special unveiling ceremony on Dec. 1, local officials shared that the expansion will meet the demands of growing travel volume and better position the award-winning airport among other modern, world-class facilities.
Beyond gates, the expansion brings a host of modern amenities and upgrades: new terrazzo flooring, improved wayfinding signage, enhanced seating and charging options and updated common areas. Plus, restroom renovations have taken place in both Concourses A and B, featuring more spacious layouts, touchless fixtures, improved accessibility, changing tables and private mother’s rooms.
What's more, the expansion includes new concessions with more retail and food & beverage options from both local and national vendors, designed to better serve passengers.
According to airport leadership, the expansion was made possible through a combination of federal and state funding allocations.
For both visitors and residents, the upgrades mean a smoother, more comfortable airport experience. From cleaner, modern restrooms to better seating and charging areas, clearer signage and reduced congestion — the improvements make travel to and from the Grand Strand more pleasant, efficient and accessible.
But, whether you utilize MYR or not, the local community benefits greatly by the expansion. Here's some of the top reasons why.
4 Reasons Locals Will Love MYR's Enhancements
- Strengthening Our Tourism Infrastructure. For a region that relies heavily on tourism, MYR is a critical gateway. Expanding capacity and improving amenities directly supports increased visitation, especially during peak travel seasons. More gates, more flights, and better facilities mean we can welcome more guests and make a stronger first impression when they arrive. That enhances the competitiveness of the Grand Strand versus other destinations.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation. The expansion creates long-term jobs in hospitality, airline operations, retail and infrastructure support. More flights and more travelers boost demand for lodging, dining, services and entertainment across Horry County. This ripple effect supports business owners, workers and public revenues tied to tourism.
- Future-Proofing for Growth. With passenger traffic climbing, MYR already serves over 3.4 million travelers annually and recently added multiple new airlines. The upgrades anticipate future growth in the region’s population and tourism demand. A modernized terminal ensures MYR will meet those needs without sacrificing service quality.
- Supporting the Myrtle Beach Brand. For many visitors, the airport is the first and last impression of Myrtle Beach and the broader Grand Strand. A well-appointed, efficient airport strengthens the region’s brand as a destination of choice and signaling that we care about comfort, convenience and hospitality from the moment travelers arrive.
The renovated MYR terminal is more than infrastructure, it’s a strategic investment in the future of our community. It underpins ongoing efforts to grow tourism, support local businesses, create jobs and ensure visitors have a world-class experience from the moment they land.
For more information about the terminal expansion and ongoing improvements at Myrtle Beach International Airport, visit FlyMyrtleBeach.com.
