It’s been a busy year at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). So busy, MYR was the busiest airport in the state this June and July. This is the first time MYR has surpassed Charleston’s airport’s deplanement and enplanement rates.
Detailed passenger statistics are located at www.flymyrtlebeach.com/media under “Facts & Figures.”
“This is an incredible win for the Myrtle Beach International Airport,” said Scott Van Moppes, director of airports. “Not only was MYR the busiest airport in the state for two consecutive months, MYR saw the highest passenger counts ever recorded in an airport in South Carolina. These new records are a testament to how truly great our destination is and how high demand for travel to and from Myrtle Beach has become.”
MYR consistently works to help accommodate travelers while at the airport and earlier this spring, instituted a number of strategic plans in order to prepare for the heavy volume of visitors. Among them, the airport advised anyone traveling Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to consider arriving two to three hours prior to departure. In addition, they encouraged arriving passengers to make arrangements for ground transportation prior to arriving at MYR.
What’s Bringing Air Passengers Here
MYR is able to handle the volume as well as any interruptions to flights due to its strong team, Van Moppes said. “The entire airport team, including airline staff and TSA have been doing an incredible job of working hard to keep the huge volumes of passengers flowing. We couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s hard work along with this accomplishment and we look forward to continuing to lead the charge in post-pandemic recovery in the Palmetto State.”
Southwest Airlines joined the airlines servicing MYR in May, adding 10 destinations to the airports roster. Around the same time, other airlines also added flights bringing MYR’s total destinations served with direct flights to more than 50.
MBACC and CVB President and CEO Karen Riordan said these additional flights are just part of the reason why the airport saw substantial volume this summer. “It’s no surprise to us that MYR became the busiest airport in the state this summer as families were eager to enjoy a long-awaited beach experience,” she said.
According to Riordan, the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of beaches and near countless options for shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation, is a natural draw for families, sports teams and groups. “We welcomed these visitors and encouraged them to travel responsibly and patiently as our businesses strived to increase staffing to meet the demand,” she added.
Starbucks Joins MYR’s First-Class Offerings
MYR continues to build upon its first-class offerings and in August, the facility’s first Starbucks location opened post security on Level 2.
“As the only Starbucks airport location in the State of South Carolina, the airport team couldn’t be prouder to offer customers another premium food and beverage option,” Van Moppes said.
The Starbucks will be operated by Paradies Lagardère, a leading airport travel retailer and restaurateur, operating more than 950 stores and restaurants in 100 airports.
