Citing staffing challenges at regional carriers, United Airlines will not renew direct summer flights from Hilton Head Airport to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. United will continue daily flights to/from its major hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

“The United Airlines Summer flights were very popular, and we are disappointed but understand the challenges that United Airlines faces,” said Jon Rembold, Airports Director. “We look forward to the future as we upgrade our terminal, and work to increase nonstop flight options.”

Travelers from these cities are just one layover away from arriving in Hilton Head Island for vacation. Delta Air Lines will continue to offer daily flights to Atlanta. American Airlines will continue daily flights to Charlotte (CLT) and are still planning seasonal nonstop flights from Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Washington National Airport (DCA).

The Hilton Head Island Airport is finalizing funding plans for the terminal upgrade. The County Council Finance Committee will discuss options Monday, March 21, at 2:00 p.m..

The upgrade will provide comfort, convenience, and a first-class experience that our travelers deserve and expect when flying to Hilton Head Island. The long-awaited terminal upgrades come on the heels of a runway extension that made it feasible for larger planes to land at the airport. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the airport was experiencing 200% increases in passengers from previous years, which put extreme strain on the pre‐9/11 terminal design and its parking lot.

The plan has 3 gates and will add jetways to allow for easier boarding, adds over 43,000 square feet to the 18,500 square-foot building, about half of that addition in the boarding gate area. The other half includes a new grand hall and a four-lane passenger drop‐off and pick-up area. The project’s budget is $53 million, and $20 million is being paid by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.