Charleston Airport’s Sky-High Success Boosts Local Economy

Charleston, SC, January 23, 2026

Charleston International Airport (CHS) has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers, contributing significantly to the local economy. With over 6.3 million travelers welcomed in 2024 and ongoing expansion projects, CHS’s growth reflects the resilience and vibrancy of the Charleston County economy. Strategic investments and new international routes signal an optimistic future for local businesses and communities, highlighting the airport’s critical role as a transportation hub and economic engine.

Charleston Airport’s Sky-High Success Soars Local Economy

Record-breaking passenger numbers at Charleston International underscore a thriving local economy fueled by innovation and strategic growth.

Charleston’s dynamic economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, evident in the latest milestone achieved by the Charleston International Airport (CHS). This critical transportation hub, a testament to strategic planning and robust regional development, recently celebrated another year of unprecedented growth, setting new benchmarks for passenger traffic. Such achievements are not merely statistics; they reflect the burgeoning strength of local businesses, the appeal of the Lowcountry as a destination for both commerce and leisure, and the collective efforts of individuals and enterprises driving Charleston SC business forward.

The continued expansion and increased activity at CHS highlight how a well-managed public asset, operating with an eye toward efficiency and responsiveness to market demands, can become a powerful engine for economic prosperity. It speaks to the private sector’s ability to innovate and adapt, meeting the rising demand for travel and connectivity that underpins much of our region’s success. This impressive trajectory illustrates a flourishing Charleston County economy, demonstrating the positive outcomes when infrastructure keeps pace with ambition and growth.

A Banner Year for Lowcountry Connectivity

Charleston International Airport (CHS) marked an extraordinary achievement in 2023, serving over 6.1 million travelers, thereby setting a new annual record for passenger traffic. This milestone represented a significant 15% increase over the previous record of 5.3 million passengers, which was established just the year prior in 2022. The momentum continued into 2024, with CHS welcoming 6.30 million passengers, its highest volume to date, showcasing a further 2% increase compared to 2023 and a substantial 29% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Even the holiday season at the close of 2024, spanning from December 19, 2024, through January 1, 2025, saw a 1.5% increase in passenger traffic, with 114,511 passengers passing through the TSA security checkpoint. These figures underscore the airport’s role as South Carolina’s busiest airport and a vital gateway for the region.

Driving the Charleston County Economy

The sustained growth at CHS is a clear indicator of the robust health and expanding potential of the Charleston County economy. Beyond connecting people, the airport is a significant economic engine, generating substantial activity across various sectors. Annually, CHS is estimated to contribute approximately $10.8 billion to the Charleston Region. This economic output supports a remarkable 34,234 jobs and accounts for $1.4 billion in labor income within the region. For the entire state of South Carolina, the total economic impact from CHS escalates to nearly $11.2 billion annually. Furthermore, this economic activity translates into tangible benefits for the state treasury, generating approximately $283.2 million in annual state tax revenue. This demonstrates how essential infrastructure, when managed effectively, can directly fuel prosperity and provide resources for public services.

Expanding Horizons: New Routes and International Gateway Status

The attractiveness of Charleston as a destination for both leisure and Charleston SC business has led to an impressive expansion of air services. CHS currently partners with 14 passenger carriers, offering nonstop flights to 55 airports, including 53 domestic and two international destinations, as of Summer 2025. A significant development was Air Canada’s announcement in December 2023 to introduce a daily nonstop flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport, commencing March 28, 2024. This initiative marked a historic first for the state, as it became the first airline to offer a daily international flight from South Carolina. Additionally, BermudAir launched a weekly service from Bermuda on April 19, 2024, signifying the first time Charleston has hosted two international operators. These new connections broaden opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, benefiting South Carolina entrepreneurs and local communities alike.

Strategic Investments Fuel Future Growth

To accommodate its escalating passenger numbers and support future economic growth, Charleston International Airport has embarked on ambitious expansion projects. In late 2022, a comprehensive 20-year expansion plan was unveiled, designed to unfold in two phases. This plan includes the addition of 11 new gates, a new parking garage, and expanded ticketing hall space. The state further committed to this vision in January 2023 by approving $144 million in funding for a new access road.

A particularly notable initiative is the $105 million West Gates Expansion project, which recently broke ground. This project will add over 40,000 square feet of new passenger space and four new gates, effectively increasing the airport’s total gate capacity by 15%. Critically, this expansion also incorporates international arrival capabilities, directly connecting new gates to the federal inspection station for seamless processing of international flights. Substantial completion of the West Gates Expansion is anticipated by the end of 2026. These significant capital investments, totaling more than $1.1 billion over the next six years, are projected to generate nearly $2.1 billion in construction-related economic impact by 2030, reinforcing Lowcountry economic growth and providing ample opportunities for Charleston small business involvement.

Aviation as an Innovation Hub

The airport’s robust activity extends beyond passenger services, serving as a hub for industrial innovation. The Boeing Company maintains a significant presence at CHS as its largest tenant. Notably, the Charleston, South Carolina, Boeing plant achieved a significant milestone on October 5, 2012, when an Indian state carrier, Air India, took possession of the first 787 Dreamliner manufactured outside of Washington. This enduring presence of a global manufacturing leader underscores the region’s capacity for high-tech industry and the skilled workforce that supports it, providing a stable foundation for ongoing economic diversification and growth within the Charleston County economy.

Charleston International Airport’s record-breaking performance in recent years is a clear indicator of the Lowcountry’s burgeoning economic vitality and a testament to strategic investment in infrastructure. The surge in passenger numbers, coupled with significant expansion projects and new international air services, demonstrates a proactive approach to fostering growth and connectivity. This success story reflects the spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs and the broader community, who benefit from and contribute to this vibrant economic ecosystem. As CHS continues to expand its reach and capacity, it solidifies its role not just as a transportation hub but as a powerful catalyst for job creation, private investment, and overall regional prosperity. We encourage our readers to support the local businesses that thrive on this connectivity and to stay engaged in shaping Charleston’s bright economic future.

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Author: hereknowledge