Hilton Head Island, SC, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Hilton Head Island Airport and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport are set for significant expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The Hilton Head Island Airport plans to triple its terminal size and improve amenities, while Savannah/Hilton Head International will enhance its capacity and facilities. These upgrades come as both airports experience record passenger numbers, reflecting the growing popularity of the region as a destination.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Major expansions are set to transform both the Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), enhancing capacity and improving amenities for the growing number of travelers visiting this popular destination.
Hilton Head Island Airport Expansion
The Hilton Head Island Airport is undergoing substantial renovations aimed at tripling its terminal size from approximately 20,000 square feet to 67,000 square feet. This project is slated for completion by early 2026 and comes as the facilities have not seen significant updates since the 1990s.
The expansion, costing an estimated $85 million, includes phase one expenditures of around $43.8 million. Enhancements will feature upgraded security screening, additional gates, and improved retail spaces, as well as modern boarding amenities with jet bridges.
In 2024, approximately 222,322 passengers were recorded at HHH, reflecting a significant increase from earlier years. Between January and June 2025 alone, 115,531 travelers passed through the airport. This surge follows a runway expansion completed in 2018, which facilitated more direct flights to various locations including Atlanta, Charlotte, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Updates
Meanwhile, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is also expanding to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Recent projections indicate that 4.1 million passengers utilized SAV in 2024, a rise from 3.9 million in 2023. More than 2 million of these travelers arrived at SAV between January and June 2025, with expectations of an increase in leisure travel as local developments, such as the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, take shape in the region.
The ongoing expansion at SAV will add 43,735 square feet to the terminal and increase the total number of gates from 15 to 19. Enhancements also include an expanded security checkpoint with six lanes and an additional 1,000 parking spaces, bringing the total to approximately 6,000.
Starting in late 2025, Spirit Airlines plans to introduce new routes to cities including Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, and Detroit, further diversifying travel options for passengers.
Background Information
Hilton Head Island is a year-round resort destination favored by golfers and vacationers. Its compact size—measuring just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide—enables easy access to various resorts from HHH, which currently offers year-round service via American Airlines and seasonal operations through Delta and United.
The expansions at both airports are part of broader efforts to accommodate increased travel demand and improve overall passenger experiences. The United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration are contributing to the funding for HHH’s renovations, alongside state resources and initiatives from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Additionally, local cultural engagement is a focus for HHH, which has put out a call for artwork submissions for a glass wall installation in the new terminal, aiming to reflect the culture and beauty of Hilton Head Island.
Conclusion
With both HHH and SAV expanding, travelers can expect enhanced experiences and increased capacity at two key gateways to the Lowcountry, accommodating the anticipated growth in passenger traffic in the coming years.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the expansions at HHH and SAV?
- The expansions aim to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and enhance amenities for travelers at both airports.
- When is the expansion of Hilton Head Island Airport expected to be completed?
- The expansion at HHH is expected to be completed by early 2026.
- What are some key features of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport’s expansion?
- The SAV expansion includes adding 43,735 square feet of terminal space, four new gates, an expanded security checkpoint to six lanes, and more than 1,000 new parking spaces.
- How many passengers traveled through HHH and SAV in recent years?
- HHH saw around 222,322 passengers in 2024, while SAV served approximately 4.1 million passengers that same year.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) | Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Size Post-Expansion | 67,000 sq. ft. | 43,735 sq. ft. added |
| Gates | Additional gates to be included | Increases from 15 to 19 |
| Current Passenger Traffic (2024) | 222,322 | 4.1 million |
| Completion Year | 2026 | Ongoing |
| New Routes | Seasonal flights to various locations | New routes from Spirit Airlines to multiple cities |
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Hilton Head Island Airport Awards
- WTOC: Hilton Head Island Airport Expansion Plan
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Airport News
- Savannah Business Journal: Art Submissions for Airport
- Island Packet: Local News on Airports
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island Airport
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Airport
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island Airport
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
