In a move that is testament to the health of the local economy, Charleston Airport is set to have yet another massive upgrade. Charleston Airport is already the busiest airport in the state of South Carolina. It’s set to get even busier, and better. As I’ve blogged about before, not that long ago, Charleston Airport underwent a major expansion. The $200 million project resulted in a much-improved design. New features included a central light-filled atrium, expanded terminal, baggage carousels, security area and locally-based food and shopping options. As a result, more carriers have arrived, scheduling more flights (many nonstop) servicing Charleston Airport. Currently nine carriers serve CHS. In a major move, Charleston Airport - officially called “Charleston International Airport,” started offering seasonal nonstop service via British Airways between Charleston and London Heathrow in 2019. They will repeat service in 2020 as well.
Charleston Airport Flying High
The current airport expansion project will cost a whopping $305 million. It’s actually comprised of six individual projects which will take place over five years. These phases include:
- A $100 million parking garage with five levels, able to accommodate more than 3,000 vehicles. Rental car companies will move from their current “open air” location to the first floor of the new garage. Work is already underway and is set to be finished by November.
- Second, a $44 million expansion to the main airline ticket hall, which will begin about the time the garage is finished. Designers are weighing two options - either expanding into the employee parking lot, or wrapping around the back side of the existing ticket counters. It may be two levels high, will add 20 new ticket desks or enough space for five new airlines.
- Third, a $7.4 million expansion of the fuel depot, already underway. Boeing, whose new facility is next to the airport, will also use the depot..
- Fourth, a $2.5 million upgrade to the police department annex, freeing up commercial office space for lease to outside businesses.
- Fifth, a $1 million repaving of the passenger jet parking apron.
- And lastly, a $150 million project of adding a third concourse to Charleston Airport. It will be located in the area where the rental car pavilion is now. This project should begin near the end of 2021.
Good news for tourism
That’s a whole lot of work that’ll be going on. It seems like they’re keeping pace with Boeing, whose campus next door to Charleston Airport seems to expand by the minute. This is good news. It should be easier, and more economical than ever, to fly to one of our Isle of Palms luxury rentals. Call EP and we’ll find you the perfect one. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger