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Charleston Business

Charleston International Airport Sets Record in 2017

Jan 30, 2018 11:49AM ● By Emily Stevenson

Like the five years before it, 2017 was record breaker at Charleston International Airport. 

Passengers flying in and out of the airport rose 7 percent over 2016 and totaled 3,987,427 passengers – just short of a milestone 4 million. Passenger traffic increased at CHS every month except February and September. The latter due to an active hurricane season that forced flight cancellations at CHS and at airport’s served by CHS’ airlines. 

December passenger counts increased nearly 16 percent over last year with nearly 2 million people each arriving at and departing from CHS. 

“What’s important is the Charleston International Airport continues to grow – in its role supporting the region’s economy and by providing new air service for our customers,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., executive director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority. 

December last year saw increased air service from legacy carriers such as American and United airlines flying larger aircraft and new routes from low-cost carriers Southwest and JetBlue. In 2017, ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines announced service to Denver, Philadelphia and Chicago starting in February, and earlier this month Allegiant Airlines kicked off plans to fly between Charleston and Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. Also this year, American is adding Chicago to its nonstop destinations, Alaska Airlines will go from four to five days a week service to Seattle, and Boston will become one of Delta Air Lines nonstop offerings at CHS. 

“I am pleased with how Charleston International continues to grow and continues to provide Charleston area residents with a variety of choices when it comes to air travel,” Campbell said. “The airport has gone from a small-town airport to a medium-size hub airport that the community can be proud of,” he said. “I look forward to 2018 being another record-breaking year for our airlines and for Charleston International Airport.”