More Direct Flights and a New Terminal on the Way
Updated February 2026
When Charles Fraser's team was originally planning a Hilton Head Island airport, they were considering the area where the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is now, but Fraser was having none of that. Instead, Hilton Head Airport (HHH) opened on the Northern end of the island in 1967. A fun fact is that Arnold Palmer landed the first plane at Hilton Head Airport. Since then it has grown from a hub for private jets and a connection to Charlotte into a regional airport with nonstop service to eight destinations on three major airlines. A runway expansion in 2019 made that growth possible, and now a $38 million terminal expansion is underway with an expected opening in mid-April 2026. Here are all the important things you need to know.
1. Where is Hilton Head Airport located? It’s on the North end of the island about a 10 minutes’ drive to Palmetto Dunes, 15 minutes to Sea Pines, 25 minutes to Old Town Bluffton, and 45 minutes to Montage Palmetto Bluff. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) and Savannah /Hilton Head Island International Airport (SAV) are not the same airport. SAV is about 45 miles from Hilton Head’s beaches and resorts, while HHH is right on the island, just minutes from the ocean.
2. How does the Hilton Head Airport compare to the Savannah Airport? HHH airport is much smaller than SAV airport. It has a very limited food offering, and parking space is much less than SAV, but usually there is no shortage of spaces (see below for details). That said, the terminal expansion currently underway will nearly triple the airport's capacity when it opens in spring 2026.
3. What are the hours? The airport opens 90 minutes before the first flight and closes 1 hour after the last flight.
4. What were the recent changes made? The airport's one runway was extended to 5,000 feet in length and 100 feet in width, which attracted more air service. Since then, the biggest development is the Phase 1 Terminal Improvements Project, a $38 million expansion that broke ground in late 2023. The new terminal will include a modern TSA screening checkpoint, additional gates, expanded passenger areas, and a designated service animal relief area. Phase 1 is expected to open in mid-April 2026. Be aware of changing traffic patterns and ongoing construction activity at the airport during this time.
5. What airlines fly into it and what are the direct flights?
Three airlines currently serve Hilton Head Airport with nonstop flights to eight destinations:
American Airlines: Daily nonstop flights to Charlotte (CLT) year-round. Seasonal nonstop service to Washington Reagan (DCA), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), and Boston Logan (BOS).
Delta Airlines: Seasonal nonstop flights to Atlanta (ATL) and New York LaGuardia (LGA).
United Airlines: Seasonal nonstop flights to Newark (EWR) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD). United recently announced expanded Chicago service for 2026.
Seasonal routes generally operate from spring through fall. Schedules are subject to change, so check directly with the airlines for the most current information.
6. What ground transportation is offered? Hotels on Hilton Head Island usually do not provide shuttle service to patrons arriving at the Hilton Head Island Airport. Most arriving passengers have pre-arranged rental cars or take a taxi upon arrival. All rental car counters are inside the terminal near baggage claim. Available taxis wait at the taxi stand (upon exiting the building, the taxi stand is on the right) for each scheduled airline arrival. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate on the island. Customers arriving at night may find limited ground transportation availability, so it's a good idea to have transportation arranged before a nighttime arrival.
7. Do they offer long term parking and what do you need to know? Hilton Head Island Airport offers paid parking at two locations: the Commercial Terminal at 120 Beach City Road and the General Aviation lot on Gateway Circle. Commercial terminal parking costs $16 per day or $4 per hour. All parking is pre-paid using automated kiosks inside the terminal or via the ParkMobile app. Your license plate number is required to complete the purchase. For more information, contact Elite Parking Services at (904) 297-4437. Note: passenger parking is not permitted in the rental car lot or employee parking lot, and unlawfully parked vehicles are subject to towing.
8. What rental car companies are there? General aviation customers are encouraged to make their rental car reservations through our FBO, Signature Flight Support. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Enterprise are all on-site. All of them are open weekdays from either 8 or 9 am - 6 or 7 pm.
9. Is there anywhere to eat? The food offering at HHH is very limited and more of a "grab and go" situation. However, there are plenty of amazing restaurants nearby. Some of the closest are Wise Guys, and just a little further down Main Street you'll find local favorites like Frankie Bones, Ruan Thai Hut, and Mangiamo's Pizza, which you'll want to avoid if you're a Michigan Wolverine fan as let's just say they take their Ohio State Buckeye pride very seriously!
10. How many gates does it have? There are currently four gates. The terminal expansion will add more gates when it opens in spring 2026.
While you are in town…
It's easier than ever to get to this truly unique island. That means it's becoming an even more attractive destination to live and vacation. While you are in town, we would be happy to show you what's on the market. Search our website for all Hilton Head homes, condos, villas and lots for sale. We've focused on Hilton Head real estate for almost 50 years. If you're thinking of buying or selling a home on the island, contact us.