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The Myrtle Beach area has seen unprecedented improvements in local road infrastructure. Over $1 billion dollars of road construction has been completed and more is in the pipleline. Developed highways such as Veterans Highway, the Carolina Bays Parkway, and Robert Grissom Parkway provide much improved drive times and also open new areas for development along major corridors.
Amtrak service for Horry County is available through Florence, S.C. Buses connect in Myrtle Beach for the 70-mile trip to Florence. Bus service within Myrtle Beach is coordinated by CRPTA, the Coastal Rapid Public Transit Authority.
The Horry County Department of Airports was created in November 1987 as an agency of Horry County. The director of the airports is appointed by the county administrator. There are four airports managed by the Horry County Department of Airports:
Myrtle Beach International Airport
Located approximately one mile from the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach International Airport serves as the only commercial airport for Horry County and the Grand Strand. The airport was designated an international airport in 1995. Customs and Immigration service are available to receive international visitors and packages.
Recently, the Myrtle Beach International Airport has grown 150 percent, and air traffic has increased 22 percent. The rapid growth is due to the addition of several major carriers. The rising demand for air travel has prompted Horry County to implement a long term plan to expand the airport.
| Myrtle Beach International Airport Commercial Passenger Totals |
| Year |
Arrivals |
Departures |
| 1992 |
291,151 |
289,671 |
| 1993 |
276,466 |
275,399 |
| 1994 |
315,992 |
316,313 |
| 1995 |
444,561 |
442,026 |
| 1996 |
508,497 |
511,347 |
| 1997 |
529,447 |
525,563 |
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| Year |
Arrivals |
Departures |
| 1998 |
602,732 |
604,980 |
| 1999 |
649,830 |
648,217 |
| 2000 |
789,843 |
792,529 |
| 2001 |
709,561 |
711,520 |
| 2002 |
628,923 |
631,368 |
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| Source: Myrtle Beach International Airport |
Grand Strand Airport
Located within the city limits of North Myrtle Beach, this airport serves private and corporate aircraft with parking, refueling, and maintenance by two fixed base operators. This is an ideal stop for people visiting the North Strand or transiting from the northeast further south.
Conway-Horry County Airport
Located five miles west of the county seat of Conway, this airport serves private and corporate aircraft with parking, refueling, and maintenance. The Conway-Horry County Airport is home to the North American Institute of Aviation (NAIA), one of the finest flying schools in the nation. The schools offers complete ground and flight training to secure FAA private, commercial, and ATP licenses. The school has a college-type atmosphere with dormitories for full-time students.
Twin City-Loris Airport
Located two miles northeast of Loris, this airport serves as an unattended airport for public use. The airport is an excellent training airport for practice approaches and landings by private aircraft.
Source: Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp., Myrtle Beach Statistical Abstract, The Myrtle Beach International Airport.
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