Charleston International Airport is moving ahead with a series of major construction projects aimed at accommodating continued passenger growth, including a new concourse, a 7,200-space parking garage and expanded facilities for international arrivals.

The projects come as CHS handles approximately 6.3 million passengers annually and continues to invest in additional capacity across both its terminal and landside operations.

Construction is progressing on Concourse C, a roughly $100 million expansion that will add more than 40,000 square feet of passenger space along with new gates, concessions and other passenger amenities.

Structural work on the concourse has been completed, according to airport officials, with construction shifting to interior finishes and building systems.

The project also will add approximately 23,000 square feet of operations space and provide international arrival capabilities. New gates will connect directly with the airport's federal inspection station, giving CHS additional infrastructure to accommodate international service.

“Charleston is growing, and CHS must grow with it,” Spencer Pryor, an airport executive, told the Charleston City Paper. “Concourse C and Parking Garage 3 are important pieces of that vision.”

The terminal expansion recently received an additional $3.7 million through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Infrastructure Grants program. The funding was part of $870 million awarded to 339 airports in 44 states and two territories.

“As passenger traffic continues to reach record levels, this grant will help us build the facilities necessary to provide an exceptional travel experience while supporting future growth,” Charleston Regional Aviation Authority CEO Elliott Summey said when the grant was announced.

Parking and Rental Car Capacity Expands

CHS also is constructing a six-level parking garage that will add more than 7,200 spaces.

The $348 million project includes 5,164 spaces for private vehicles and 2,036 for rental cars. A consolidated rental car facility within the development will bring rental car pickup and return operations together in one location.

The garage also will include a customer service building, rental car operator offices, fueling facilities and a car wash.

Structural construction is largely complete, with work now focused on interior facilities. Airport officials expect the major construction projects to be completed in 2027.

Growth Extends to Airside Operations

CHS's capacity investments extend beyond the terminal and parking facilities.

The Charleston Regional Aviation Authority also has moved forward with plans to expand its overnight aircraft parking apron. The Alpha West project includes expansion of the existing terminal apron, storm drainage improvements and installation of edge and area lighting.

The authority also recently sought proposals for a Virtual Ramp Control Center that will provide visual monitoring and control capabilities for aircraft ramp operations.

Together, the projects reflect the broader infrastructure demands created by Charleston's rapid passenger growth. Rather than expanding a single component of the airport, CHS is adding capacity across the passenger journey, from vehicle arrival and rental car operations to gates, international processing and aircraft movement areas.

“These projects position CHS to meet the needs of the next generation of travelers and businesses,” Pryor said. “We are not simply building for today’s demand. We are preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.”