NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Officials with the Charleston International Airport say 2024′s Memorial Day holiday travel period will likely keep the airport on track for another record-breaking year.
The number of travelers soared 27 percent over 2023′s total during the holiday weekend, airport spokesman Deputy Executive Director Spencer Pryor said.
The airport saw nearly 110,000 passengers flying in and out during the Memorial Day Holiday period which stretched from the Thursday before the holiday until Memorial Day, he said. In 2023, a little over 86,000 passengers traveled during the Memorial Day Holiday period.
Charleston County Aviation Authority Executive Director and CEO Elliott Summey said the numbers are incredible but not surprising.
“Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the summer travel season and people take advantage of the long weekend to go on vacations, visit family and friends, or simply get away for a bit,” he said.
Day 2023 2024 Diff. % Diff. Thursday 8.173 10,079 1,906 23% Friday 7,608 11,216 3,608 47% Saturday 8,454 9,870 1,416 17% Sunday 10,746 10,552 -194 -2% Monday 8,036 12,959 4,923 61% TOTAL 43,017 54,676 11,659 27%
Pryor said the addition of ultra-low-cost carriers and long-time airlines continues to bolster passenger growth as airlines expand service with new routes and larger aircraft.
“We’ve witnessed and been a part of a big shift in travel,” Summey said. “Charleston isn’t just a world-class destination for leisure travelers – it is at the center of economic development in the Lowcountry and state of South Carolina.”
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Memorial Day holiday travel sets new record at Charleston airport
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