FLO Upward

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will start construction on a new, 120-foot control tower in 2026, with an estimated cost of over $30,000,000. The new control tower is part of a next-generation design concept, with FLO having the honor to be one of the first actually constructed and placed into service in the United States. The new tower will be located off McCall Boulevard and will provide clear, unobstructed views of the entire airport. The current 60-foot tower will be decommissioned and deconstructed once the new tower is operational, in 2027.

The expansion of the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) screening area at FLO will include state-of-the-art screening equipment and provide a more streamlined passenger experience. The new equipment will allow most items to remain in the carry-on luggage, eliminating the need to unpack and repack after screening. The project is scheduled to complete in 2026, at an estimated cost of $2,900,000.

Reclassification and rehabilitation of Runway 1/19 is another critical element of FLO’s growth plan. Once Runway 1/19 is reclassified as a crosswind runway by the Federal Aviation Administration, it will be eligible for federal funding and rehabilitation. Upon rehabilitation completion, a precision approach will be installed for Runway 1, allowing its use during most weather conditions. This will provide FLO with two active precision approaches, permitting flight operations for passenger aircraft and large cargo aircraft during inclement weather conditions. The project is scheduled to complete in 2028 at an estimated cost of $11,000,000.

FLO’s terminal rehabilitation project will have the most direct impact on the flying public. FLO’s current terminal is over 30 years old and needs a little tender, loving care to make her more travel friendly. The rehabilitation will include new electrical, new HVAC, new lighting, new flooring, a modern look and jet bridges to facilitate boarding and deplaning during inclement weather. The project is scheduled to complete in 2027, with an estimated cost of $39,800,000.

FLO plans to become a User Fee Facility in the near future. As a user fee facility, the arrival and processing of international flights will be possible at FLO. On-demand international passenger charter flights from locations such as The Bahamas as well as international cargo flights will be able to use the airport. Along with User Fee Facility status, FLO will have U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff on site daily to facilitate all international flight operations. The project is scheduled to complete in 2026 at an estimated cost of $2,000,000, which includes a new building with offices and a passenger processing center for Customs and Border Protection.

Taxiway A is the primary taxiway supporting the 6,500-foot runway 9/27. The taxiway provides four entry/exit points for Runway 9/27, facilitating quicker movement of aircraft onto/off the runway. These four entry/exit points enhance flight operations by allowing quicker runway exits, making the runway available for the next aircraft operation. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025, with an estimated cost of $7,700,000.

Runway 9/27 Extension is a critical element of FLO’s future growth plan. The extended runway will give FLO one of the longest runways in South Carolina. The extension will permit larger and heavier aircraft to schedule flight operations to and from FLO. This will include international cargo aircraft, which will connect the Pee Dee region to markets around the world in mere hours. Also, the extended runway will allow larger passenger aircraft to serve FLO, opening up new markets for air travel and will permit military aircraft to use the airport for flight training. Included with this project is a rehabilitation of the existing 6,500 feet of runway. Project is scheduled for completion in 2026, with an estimated cost of $33,300,000.