Charleston Airport lands another record for passenger travel over Memorial Day weekend

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Passenger travel at Charleston International Airport soared to a new record over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The airport saw roughly 110,000 passengers flying in and out of the airport during the travel period (Thursday to Monday). A little over 86,000 passengers were seen during the same period last year.

“The numbers are incredible, but not surprising,” said Elliott Summey Executive Director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority. “Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the summer travel season and people take advantage of the long weekend to go on vacations, visit family and friends, or simply get away for a bit.”

Leaders say the addition of low-cost carriers and longtime airlines plays a key role in passenger growth at the airport. “Airlines continue to expand service by offering additional routes and flying larger aircraft that seat more people and adding new destinations,” they said.

Airport leaders also noted a recent College of Charleston study that estimated more than 7.9 million people visited the Lowcountry in 2023. The airport saw more than 6 million passengers during that time.

“We’ve witnessed and been a part of a big shift in travel,” said Summey “Charleston isn’t just a world-class destination for leisure travelers – it is at the center of economic development in the Lowcountry and state of South Carolina.”