$23M in Federal Funding to Boost Charleston International Airport Expansion
After a recent allocation of $23 million in federal funding, the Charleston International Airport is all set to expand with a new six-gate concourse. This substantial financial boost, initiated by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, is set to fund the construction of a crucial overnight plane parking area, known as a parking apron—an initial and necessary component to support the new concourse’s development.
“This is the first real shot in the arm that gets us rolling,” claimed Elliott Summey, the airport’s executive director and CEO. The self-perceived paramountcy of the funding is due to its roll in enabling future projects and airfield expansions needed to build and expand the new concourse, which in turn underscored the significance of this financial boost.
Charleston International Airport Growth Promises Economic Boost
Charleston International Airport, South Carolina’s largest airport, played host to over 6 million passengers last year. With two concourses currently featuring 18 total gates, the airport already exerts a $4.5 billion economic impact on the state. However, with six new gates in planning, capacity promises to rise substantially with the potentiality of servicing 8 to 9 million passengers per year, thus exponentially multiplying the airport’s economic impact.
Graham’s Funding Request Fulfills Needs
Sen. Lindsey Graham advanced the funding request to the Senate Appropriations Committee, seeking to support the airport’s growth. His proposal initially requested $25 million. However, the final award of $23 million granted to the Charleston County Aviation Authority is still among the largest earmarks under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for U.S airport projects this fiscal year.
Nonstop Flights and Business Propulsion as a Target
With an ambitious plan to increase nonstop routes, facilitating business travelers to fly directly, faster, and at a lower cost, Charleston International Airport is hunting to attract new air carriers to offer nonstop flights to key business areas. The airport has recently added a nonstop route to Toronto with Air Canada, a favorable development for business entities operating in the region, such as Boeing and Mercedes.
A Broadening Network of Destinations
“The increase in nonstop destinations has gone from 22 to 69 (flights) in 3.5 years and we’ve added five more airlines to our portfolio,” Summey declared. The intent is to extend this reach even further taking in locations like White Plains, Islip, Akron, Milwaukee, and Kansas City—areas flourishing with industry and potential business opportunities.
More Expansion Plans on the Horizon
Beyond the new concourse and parking apron, further improvements are in the works for Charleston International Airport. A comprehensive airport enhancement includes a $300 million project for a new parking garage and a two-story rental car pavilion, all funded through revenue bonds.
Refurbishments to the terminal’s interior are also scheduled, including an expanded ticket counter area and an overhaul of the security checkpoint. Despite many concurrent projects, Summey expressed gratitude for the involvement of elected officials such as Lindsey Graham, who continue to drive investment into the airport, recognizing it as a critical engine of economic growth for both business and tourism sectors.
