Charleston Airport updates
September 13, 2018
Airport updates will be posted at www.iflyCHS.com under the tropical weather image on their homepage.
The following was posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 3:15 p.m.. The next update is expected late afternoon Friday, Sept. 14.
Our reliever airports, Mount Pleasant Regional Airport and Charleston Executive Airport on Johns Island, will close at 5 p.m. today (Sept. 12) until Hurricane Florence has passed and it is safe to reopen. A Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) will be issued noting “no fuel available” during this time.
11:50 a.m. update
Rapidly changing conditions associated with the path of Hurricane Florence will affect general aviation and commercial air service operations at Charleston International Airport at least through Friday, Sept.14.
Joint Base Charleston will close the runways at Charleston International Airport (Sept. 12) tonight at 11:59 p.m.
Paul Campbell, CEO and executive director of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, said he expects the Air Force could reopen the runways at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, allowing air service to resume. He cautions, however, that exact time the runways are reopened depends on the storm’s path and impact on the area.
The Air Force owns the two runways at CHS and provides emergency fire and rescue services for all commercial and general aviation aircraft taking off and landing. Those Air Force personnel are following the directive of the governor to evacuate.
CHS is served by eight airlines. Some have already cancelled flights through Friday. Others will continue operations today (Sept. 12) until the runways are closed. Customers should contact their air carrier for information on cancellations and for rebooking assistance.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Air Force has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that the airfield will be closed until Monday (Swept. 17). However, the base personnel are committed to reopen the runways as soon as possible. The Air Force has the power to lift the NOTAM at any time.
The airport terminal building remains open but it is not certified hurricane shelter. The airport is not equipped to provide food, emergency or medical care or other services required of a shelter. The public should not stay in the airport during the storm.
Airport parking facilities will remain open so passengers who are able to return to Charleston may pick up their vehicles.
