Overview & History
Myrtle Beach International Airport (KMYR) is the principal commercial and general-aviation gateway to South Carolina's Grand Strand, sitting roughly three miles southwest of downtown Myrtle Beach in Horry County. The field occupies the site of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, which closed in 1993 under the Base Realignment and Closure process; the surrounding redevelopment includes The Market Common district. The airport became an international airport in 1996 and today handles more than three million commercial passengers a year alongside steady private and charter traffic.
Runway Capability
KMYR's single runway, 18/36, is 9,503 feet of asphalt, 150 feet wide. Combined with a 25-foot field elevation, this gives generous performance margins across the full range of business jets, from very light jets through heavy, long-range aircraft like the Gulfstream G650 and Global 7500. The runway supports ILS, RNAV (GPS), and visual approaches, and the airport operates 24 hours a day.
Charter Considerations
Two FBOs, Beach Aviation Services and Myrtle Beach Aviation, handle private movements at MYR, offering Jet-A and 100LL, ramp and hangar parking, and passenger amenities including pilot lounges and flight planning. Because MYR is a busy commercial-service airport, private operators share the airfield with airline traffic from carriers such as Spirit, Southwest, Delta, and American; arrival and departure slots are not formally restricted, but timing around peak vacation-season banks improves ground efficiency. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft positioned for KMYR routes.
International Arrivals & Customs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintains an on-field office at MYR (1100 Jetport Road), making the airport a usable port of entry for international general aviation. CBP general-aviation hours are limited and partly by appointment, so operators arriving from abroad should file eAPIS and confirm clearance availability in advance. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination for inbound international charters.
Safety & Planning
With a single runway, MYR offers no crosswind alternative beyond runway 18/36, so crews should evaluate the crosswind component against aircraft limits and consider the secondary effects of gusty coastal winds. Standard pre-departure review of NOTAMs and any TFRs applies, and convective weather is the dominant seasonal planning factor along the coast. The towered environment and full instrument approach suite support consistent IFR operations.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
The Grand Strand's subtropical climate brings warm, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that typically build between early afternoon and early evening from late spring through early fall. Morning departures are generally the most reliable for schedule certainty. Haze and humidity can occasionally reduce visibility, and the cooler months offer the steadiest flying conditions. Tourist-season peaks also drive heavier commercial and GA traffic into and out of MYR.
Regional Context
MYR is the busiest airport serving the Grand Strand resort corridor and one of South Carolina's fastest-growing airports, driven by coastal tourism, golf travel, and steady population growth around Myrtle Beach. For private travelers, it provides direct, full-capability jet access close to the beach and resort districts, with nearby alternatives in the broader Carolinas region for redundancy when needed.