Myrtle Beach Gears Up for Exciting Airport Upgrades
Myrtle Beach—If you’ve been to the Myrtle Beach International Airport lately, you might have noticed the hustle and bustle, and it’s about to get even better! The airport is moving forward with a planned $90 million expansion that promises to enhance the travel experience for everyone, from locals to tourists. The upgrades are expected to roll out over the next couple of years, so let’s dive into what’s coming our way!
Fly High with New Features
First up, the Concourse A expansion is kicking off with a bang! Starting off this summer, the airport is set to add a whopping 50,000 square feet to the terminal. That means more space and six new boarding gates to help you get on and off your flights with ease. The renovation isn’t just about space, though; it also promises updated bathrooms, clearer signage, and fresh flooring that’ll make your airport stroll feel a little more high-end.
Pizza Anyone?
Now, here’s the juicy bit—there will be new food and beverage vendors, and one of them is none other than Pizza Hyena. This local favorite known for its quirky six-slice specialty pizzas, like “Ms. Cheezious” and “Ricotta Be Kidding Me”, will soon be available for hungry travelers! Ryan Betcher, the assistant director of airports, mentioned that delivering a familiar and tasty food option like pizza can really complete the offerings at the airport.
Betcher explained, “Pizza is an option we don’t really have at the airport in our current concessions mix. So, we think it’s going to hopefully add another offering that we’re not providing.” If you’re in the mood, you’ll be able to grab a slice while you wait for your flight!
Convenience at its Best
But wait, there’s even more! Have you ever wished you could quickly grab something to eat without wandering too far? Well, say hello to Shoreline Supply by Hudson, a grab-and-go store that will offer snacks and drinks right where you need them.
Parking Made Easy
Now, we all know the struggle of finding a parking spot at the airport—especially during peak times. That’s why the airport is also focusing on parking upgrades. Horry County’s Director of Airports, Judi Olmstead, is advocating for a cool $1 million to spruce up the current parking lots. This includes installing license plate recognition technology to help track parking durations and improve processes for those who might misplace their parking tickets.
Betcher pointed out that these upgrades are essential, given the high demand for parking. A new parking lot with 1,200 spaces is also under construction and is expected to open by late spring 2025. Sounds like you’ll have a lot more space to leave your car while you jet off somewhere fabulous!
Leave the Unwanted Behind
And here’s a thoughtful addition that you might appreciate—a mail-back program is coming to Myrtle Beach International! This initiative, suggested by the TSA, lets travelers mail home any items they may have accidentally brought to the airport and couldn’t take through security. No more worrying about tossing your favorite shampoo or souvenir that won’t fit in your bag!
What’s Next?
As these updates unfold, travelers can expect a much-enhanced airport experience that reflects the spirit of Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re flying out for a weekend getaway or welcoming friends visiting our beautiful city, these improvements will surely put a smile on everyone’s face.
So, keep your eyes peeled for these changes coming to our airport—it’s all about making your journey smoother and tastier!
