News Summary
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is set for a major $400 million expansion to increase its capacity for commercial, cargo, and general aviation. This significant investment aims to improve passenger experience and connectivity for the surrounding communities, particularly Bulloch County and Statesboro. In tandem with enhancements to air cargo facilities and partnerships with regional organizations, the expansion is expected to elevate the airport’s status as a regional hub, accommodating an increasing number of passengers and freight traffic.
Savannah
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is set to undergo a significant $400 million expansion, aimed at boosting its commercial, cargo, and general aviation capacity to meet the demand created by regional growth. This substantial investment is anticipated to enhance air travel experience for passengers and improve connectivity for nearby communities, particularly Bulloch County and Statesboro.
The expansion comes as the airport ranks among the top-performing regional airports in the Southeast, having welcomed over 2 million passengers last year. Currently, Savannah Airport stands as the 75th busiest airport in the U.S. in terms of airport activity, despite the city itself ranking only 180th among U.S. cities.
Expansion Details
To support its growth, Savannah Airport is collaborating with airlines to increase its flight offerings. More than 60% of the airport’s passengers are leisure travelers, many of whom come from surrounding areas like Bulloch County and Statesboro. The airport currently provides access to over 30 nonstop destinations through 11 major airlines. Notably, Spirit Airlines is expected to begin services in August, alongside new routes added by Southwest and Breeze Airways, enhancing travel options to hubs like New York, Chicago, New England, and South Florida.
New air cargo facilities are also part of the capital plan, aiming to capture freight traffic that is currently routed through other airports. This initiative will support the logistics network servicing Southeast Georgia, paralleling the growth of Hyundai’s Metaplant in Bryan County, and expanding operations for major employers like Gulfstream Aerospace, which has around 10,000 employees at the airport.
Community Benefits
The developments at Savannah Airport are expected to significantly benefit the surrounding regions. The airport serves a catchment area of 28 counties, and improvements are being made not just to support passenger travel, but also to establish partnerships with Georgia Southern University and local organizations to enhance regional connectivity. Collaboration between Savannah and the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport is emphasized as crucial for addressing regional aviation needs and fostering economic development.
Furthermore, the airport is making strides in improving its international capabilities, with the installation of a $15 million federal inspection station dedicated to charter flights to and from Europe. An initiative is also underway to create an Ireland-based golf travel package departing from Savannah, underscoring the airport’s commitment to broadening its international outreach.
Future Outlook
As part of the expansion, a four-gate terminal expansion is currently in progress, alongside other improvements such as a new 2000-space parking deck. These enhancements are expected to address the increasing demand, as parking revenue has already surpassed $16 million annually. Despite generating nearly $20 million in net revenue each year, some officials argue that state investment in the airport remains inadequate.
Long-term plans include the reconstruction of the primary runway and further expansion of fuel storage, as well as the establishment of a new general aviation campus and corporate hangars. The Savannah Airport Commission is updating its master plan and actively seeking public feedback from communities within the 28-county service area to ensure that the expansion meets the needs of its growing passenger base.
Local officials note that the region’s growth trajectory aligns well with the potential of the Savannah Airport to serve as a regional hub for air travel while Statesboro can continue to provide essential general aviation capacity.
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Additional Resources
- Grice Connect: Savannah Airport Expansion
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- WSAV: Airport Expansion Project
- Google Search: Savannah Airport expansion
- Business Airport International: Sheltair Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia
- The Points Guy: Spirit Airlines Nonstop Flights
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Airports Infrastructure Upgrade
