MYR passenger numbers grow, new markets to be announced soon

January passenger numbers through Myrtle Beach International Airport toppled the figures during the same time frame in 2015, and an airport official said an announcement of new markets should be made within the next few weeks.

A total of 65,078 passengers passed through the airport in January, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to January 2015, according to figures released by the Horry County Department of Airports.

Kirk Lovell, assistant director of airports, said January’s passengers levels exceeded last year’s volumes “as the result of a strong airline industry and because of the popularity of Myrtle Beach.”

“Assuming that passengers book travel, utilizing available seat capacity, then MYR should experience healthy passenger levels,” Lovell said. “In the coming weeks it is anticipated that an incumbent airline will announce several new markets.”

Spirit Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, delivered 15,742 people to the Grand Strand, American Airlines 9,713, and Delta Air Lines 6,685, according to the release.

Brad Dean, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, called the off-season figures “encouraging.”

“January is our slowest month in tourism but the positive results at the airport are encouraging,” Dean said. “We anticipate increased traffic this year due to expanded capacity and hopefully a few new non-stop markets being added.”

In 2015, a record number of passengers — 1.8 million — passed through Myrtle Beach International Airport thanks to more flights to popular markets and the addition of service to new destinations. It broke the 2011 record of roughly 1.7 million, according to airport statistics.

“Growing air service is a key objective in our marketing strategy, as we need to develop new markets and attract more visitors during the slower times,” Dean said.

In May, the airport opened up three more gates on Concourse B, otherwise known as the remodeled second floor of the old terminal building. Prior to May, one gate in Concourse B was open.

Lovell said the airport is constantly marketing to its airline partners as to why they should maintain and increase service levels at the airport.

“In 2016, overall seat capacity should be greater than last year; especially in the Spring and Fall seasons,” Lovell said. “[The airport is] currently developing the airline gate schedule for MYR. At this time, a majority of the gates at MYR will be used during peak season.”

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 5:11 PM with the headline "MYR passenger numbers grow, new markets to be announced soon."