Myrtle Beach, SC, February 17, 2026
Myrtle Beach International Airport is set to expand its connectivity with new seasonal nonstop flights from Elmira, New York, and Dayton, Ohio. These routes are expected to boost tourism and support local businesses by providing greater accessibility for travelers. The economic impact will be felt across various sectors, enhancing the appeal of Myrtle Beach as a premier destination. This development is part of a broader strategy to strengthen connections to key Northeast markets and foster sustained economic growth in the region.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What new nonstop flights are being added to Myrtle Beach International Airport?
Allegiant Air is launching new seasonal nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach, SC from Elmira, New York, and Dayton, Ohio. These additions expand the airport’s connectivity to new markets.
When will these new flights begin and what is the typical schedule?
The new flights are scheduled to begin on May 22, 2026, and will operate seasonally on Mondays and Fridays. Introductory one-way fares are available starting as low as $49.
How will these expanded flight services benefit the Myrtle Beach economy?
Expect a significant boost in local economic activity, including higher occupancy rates for hospitality businesses, increased consumer spending in retail and entertainment, and the creation of more jobs. This helps foster a more stable business environment by attracting visitors more consistently.
What is the current connectivity status and recognition of Myrtle Beach International Airport?
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) now serves a total of 59 nonstop destinations, making it the most connected airport in South Carolina. It has also been ranked No. 4 among the Best Small Airports and No. 2 in the Best Resort Airport category by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
What role does Allegiant Air play in strengthening Myrtle Beach’s tourism connections?
Allegiant Air is crucial for connecting smaller to mid-sized cities to popular leisure destinations like Myrtle Beach with budget-friendly fares. Their strategic expansion, including new routes and strengthening existing ones like Atlantic City, effectively funnels more travelers from key feeder markets to the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach Sees Economic Lift with New Nonstop Flights
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The vibrant spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and the magnetic appeal of the Grand Strand are once again driving positive developments for our local economy. With new direct air services set to launch, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is expanding its connectivity, promising increased tourism and a sustained boost for Myrtle Beach SC businesses.
This expansion underscores the continued confidence in our region as a premier destination, a testament to the resilience of our Myrtle Beach small business community and the collaborative efforts that foster economic growth. As travelers seek accessible and affordable options, the airport’s strategic additions are poised to further solidify Myrtle Beach’s standing as a thriving economic hub on the East Coast.
Expanded Air Service Opens New Markets
Myrtle Beach International Airport is preparing for an exciting boost in connectivity with the addition of new seasonal nonstop flights from Allegiant Air. Starting May 22, 2026, travelers will have direct access to Myrtle Beach from Elmira, New York, and Dayton, Ohio. These new routes will operate on Mondays and Fridays, with introductory one-way fares available as low as $49.
The addition of these routes brings the total number of nonstop destinations served by MYR to 59, establishing it as the airport with the highest number of nonstop connections in South Carolina. This expanded network not only provides more convenient travel options for visitors but also highlights Myrtle Beach’s growing reputation. Myrtle Beach International Airport was ranked No. 4 among the Best Small Airports in the U.S. and No. 2 in the Best Resort Airport category by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition underscores the airport’s appeal to leisure travelers and its efficiency in serving the Grand Strand.
Strengthening Northeast Connections
While new direct services from Elmira and Dayton mark significant additions, Allegiant’s broader strategy continues to enhance Myrtle Beach’s connection to key Northeast markets. Atlantic City, New Jersey, for example, remains an important existing nonstop destination from Myrtle Beach. Allegiant’s expanded network, including new operations from Atlantic City to Florida destinations, strengthens air links within the overall tourism corridor, effectively funneling more travelers from Northeast feeder markets to coastal resort cities like Myrtle Beach.
This strategic positioning by airlines like Allegiant, known for connecting smaller to mid-sized cities to popular leisure destinations with budget-friendly fares, aligns perfectly with the demand for value-driven travel. Such developments ensure that the Grand Strand remains a highly accessible and attractive option for visitors, further supporting the local Horry County economy.
Economic Benefits for Local Businesses
The influx of new visitors facilitated by expanded air service has a profound economic growth impact across various sectors in Myrtle Beach. The hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, is likely to experience higher occupancy rates. Local businesses, from retail shops and restaurants to entertainment venues and golf courses, can anticipate a rise in consumer spending from tourists exploring the area.
This increased economic activity translates into more jobs and opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs and their ventures. The ability to attract visitors more consistently, even during shoulder seasons, helps mitigate the effects of seasonal fluctuations, fostering a more stable and resilient business environment. For the Myrtle Beach small business community, improved accessibility means a larger customer base, stimulating innovation and expansion.
The Ripple Effect: Beyond Tourism
The economic impact of Myrtle Beach International Airport extends significantly beyond direct tourism spending. In 2023, the airport’s operations and tenant activities generated substantial local economic activity. The state’s six publicly-owned commercial service airports, including MYR, collectively contribute an estimated $22.5 billion in annual economic impact to South Carolina, supporting over 130,000 jobs and generating $6.8 billion in labor income. Myrtle Beach International Airport itself serves nearly 50 cities and handles approximately 1.7 million enplanements annually.
Organizations like the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) play a crucial role in leveraging this connectivity. By uniting public and private sectors, MBREDC works to attract, retain, and grow sustainable businesses that create jobs, diversifying the Horry County economy. South Carolina’s business climate, noted for available real estate, business incentive programs, and speed of permitting, further supports this growth.
Below is a summary of the new flight services:
| Airline | Origin City | Destination City | Start Date | Frequency | Introductory One-Way Fare | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Elmira, New York | Myrtle Beach, SC | May 22, 2026 | Mondays & Fridays (Seasonal) | As low as $49 | Nationwide |
| Allegiant Air | Dayton, Ohio | Myrtle Beach, SC | May 22, 2026 | Mondays & Fridays (Seasonal) | As low as $49 | Nationwide |
Fostering Sustainable Growth
Continued investment in infrastructure, such as airport expansion and new flight routes, is vital for sustained economic growth. The ability to attract visitors year-round, as facilitated by these enhanced connections, helps create a more robust and predictable economic environment for local businesses. The Tourism Development Fee (TDF), a one percent retail sales tax on purchases within the City of Myrtle Beach, with the majority generated by visitors, also plays a role. Eighty percent of these revenues are directed towards out-of-market advertising, while the remaining 20 percent supports property tax credits and tourism-related capital projects, providing benefits to both the tourism industry and local residents.
This proactive approach to boosting tourism through improved accessibility and strategic promotion exemplifies a commitment to nurturing a thriving economy while supporting the community. The overall economic landscape of the Grand Strand is strengthened by these efforts, creating a positive cycle of investment and prosperity.
The expansion of air service to Myrtle Beach International Airport is more than just about new flights; it’s about opening new avenues for economic growth, supporting Myrtle Beach SC businesses, and reinforcing the community’s position as a vibrant destination. We encourage everyone to support our local businesses and stay engaged in the exciting future of our growing region.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
