As Charleston International Airport moves more and more passengers through its gates, parking takes priority.

On Thursday, March 21, 2019, CHS officials broke ground on the planned parking deck behind the existing garage. It will add more than 3,000 more parking spaces. The five-level parking garage is expected to cost $88 million, according to airport Executive Director & CEO Paul Campbell. The Charleston County Aviation Authority board approved the final design last fall.

Work has already begun and been completed on stage one of enhancing the outer surface lots while preparing the remote lots for vehicles that will need to park once construction begins. Parking for about half of the surface lot behind the existing deck will be moved to the remote lots, where free shuttles to the terminal will be used. It costs $15 per day to park in the garage and $10 a day for the surface lot and remote spaces. Valet parking is $21 a day. Shuttles are free. Passengers are also encouraged to explore public transportation and ride sharing during this time.

Charleston International now provides nonstop service to 28 airports in 24 cities and averages about 160 flights a day. In November, Charleston International reached a milestone by surpassing 4 million passengers arriving and departing for the first time ever. That’s double the number since 2010. Construction on the new deck is projected to be completed next year before the holiday travel season.