Myrtle Beach, SC, March 8, 2021 – Today, Southwest Airlines announced their intention to serve Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). According to Southwest CEO Gary Kelly, service will begin in time for summer vacations to the Myrtle Beach area. A specific launch date and destinations will be announced at a future date.

MYR and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) worked together to bring Southwest to the Grand Strand. “We are so excited to welcome Southwest Airlines to Myrtle Beach. Southwest has an extensive network which opens up new markets for our visitors and our residents” said Scott Van Moppes, Director of Airports. He added “we know the past year has been very challenging for the aviation industry and we appreciate the confidence Southwest has shown in the strength of our destination.”

Karen Riordan, President and CEO of MBACC said, “Having a beloved airline for our businesses and residents to use for travel to key markets is a significant win for our community. It also means we can target prospective visitors to the Grand Strand that have dreamed of a Myrtle Beach vacation but did not have access to a flight. We are so pleased that our partnership with MYR has resulted in this news, which will help our recovery in 2021 and for years to come.”

In 2019, MYR served 2.6 million passengers. During 2020 and the COVID crisis, passenger activity declined at MYR and throughout the United States. However, as a top leisure destination, MYR passenger activity has recovered at a faster rate than the national average.

The addition of Southwest Airlines means that MYR will now have 9 airlines. MYR is currently served by Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Porter, Sun Country, Spirit and United.

For more information about Southwest Airlines visit: https://www.southwest.com/

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About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community. The MBACC serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Socastee and Carolina Forest. For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.

About the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) The Myrtle Beach International Airport is the gateway to Myrtle Beach, SC and the Grand Strand. The Myrtle Beach International Airport is owned by Horry County and operated by the Department of Airports. Learn more at: www.flymyrtlebeach.com