Savannah, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is expanding its facilities to meet rising passenger demand by adding four new gates, increasing the total to 19. This expansion is essential as the airport recently surpassed pre-COVID passenger traffic figures, handling 4.1 million visitors last year. The upgrades also include improved common spaces, updated restrooms, and more parking. Additionally, new flight routes are being pursued to connect to cities such as Las Vegas and Toronto, enhancing travel options for passengers. The expansion reflects a strategic response to ongoing growth in air travel in the region.
Savannah
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is set to expand its facilities to accommodate a surge in passenger demand, adding four new gates to increase the total from 15 to 19. This expansion is crucial as the airport has witnessed a significant rise in visitor traffic, surpassing pre-COVID figures. The increased infrastructure is expected to enhance the travel experience for both local and visiting passengers.
The current total square footage of the airport is 367,395, and the expansion will add an additional 43,735 square feet. The new terminal area will feature a spacious common space, updated restrooms, and the potential for new retail tenants. These improvements come at a time when passenger traffic has boomed, with SAV handling approximately 4.1 million visitors last year—a figure that marks an increase from 3.9 million in 2023 and significantly more than 2.8 million in 2021 and around 3 million in 2019.
Rising Passenger Traffic
Between January and June of 2025 alone, SAV recorded over 2 million air travelers. Currently, approximately 65-70% of the airport’s traffic is leisure travel. However, this demographic is expected to shift due to new regional developments such as the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, which may attract more business travelers to the region.
Infrastructure Enhancements
In addition to the new gates, SAV has expanded its security checkpoint to six lanes, which is essential for managing the volume of travelers efficiently. The airport has also added around 1,000 new parking spaces, bringing the total parking capacity to roughly 6,000 spaces across four surface lots, an economy garage, and a terminal garage. A new parking garage is currently in the design phase to further enhance parking availability.
Future Flight Routes and Services
SAV is actively pursuing new flight routes, with aspirations for direct flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Toronto, and even the UK. Additionally, Spirit Airlines plans to commence daily service to Newark, New Jersey, starting August 14, 2025. Other anticipated flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and Detroit, Michigan are scheduled to launch in October 2025.
Hilton Head Island Airport Developments
Alongside the expansion at SAV, the Hilton Head Island Airport is also undergoing significant upgrades, aiming to triple its terminal size from approximately 20,000 to 67,000 square feet. This expansion is expected to be completed by early next year and includes renovations that have not occurred since the 1990s. The costs associated with the renovations are estimated at around $85 million, with phase one expected to cost about $43.8 million.
The funding for the Hilton Head expansion is being sourced from the Federal Aviation Administration, state contributions, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Improvements will include updated security screening facilitation and the addition of jet bridges for boarding, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
Conclusion
The ongoing expansions at both Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and Hilton Head Island Airport reflect a strategic response to increasing travel demands. These improvements are vital to accommodating growing passenger volumes and meeting service standards, thereby bolstering the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
FAQs
What is the primary reason for the expansion at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport?
The expansion is driven by a significant rise in passenger traffic, which has exceeded pre-COVID numbers, necessitating the need for additional gates and enhanced facilities.
When will the new flight routes be available?
New flight routes, including daily service from Spirit Airlines to Newark, will commence on August 14, 2025, with additional flights to Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, and Detroit beginning in October 2025.
How much is being invested in the Hilton Head Island Airport expansion?
The estimated total cost of the Hilton Head renovations is approximately $85 million, with phase one costing around $43.8 million.
What new amenities will be included in the airport expansions?
The expansions will include a larger common space, updated restrooms, new retail outlets, security screening facilities, and jet bridges for boarding.
Key Features of Airport Expansions
| Feature | Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport | Hilton Head Island Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Current Gates | 15 | 3 |
| New Gates After Expansion | 19 | 3 (additional facilities) |
| Current Square Footage | 367,395 | 20,000 |
| Post-Expansion Square Footage | 411,130 | 67,000 |
| Estimated Cost of Expansion | N/A | $85 million |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 4.1 million | Significantly increased since last runway expansion |
| Projected Opening | TBD | Early 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Savannah Airport Expansion
- Wikipedia: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
- WTOC: New Gates at Savannah Airport
- Google Search: Savannah Airport expansion
- Grice Connect: Airport Expansion and Economic Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah
- WSAV: Savannah Airport Expansion Project
- Google News: Savannah Hilton Head Airport
- Business Airport International: Apron Expansion at SAV
- Google Scholar: Savannah Hilton Head International Airport expansion
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.
