Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport campus is undergoing a $400 million expansion aimed at boosting commercial, cargo, and general aviation capacity to match explosive regional growth — with significant benefits expected for nearby communities including Bulloch County and Statesboro.
Greg Kelly, CEO of the Savannah Airport Commission, recently briefed Statesboro Bulloch County Airport Authority Chair Doug Lambert and Statesboro Bulloch County Airport Manager David Campbell, highlighting the airport’s rapid evolution into one of the Southeast’s top-performing regional airports. With over 2 million passengers last year, Savannah now ranks 75th in the U.S. for airport activity, despite Savannah itself ranking only 180th among U.S. cities.
“Our airport is punching far above its weight,” Kelly said. “More than 60% of our passengers are leisure travelers — and that includes many from Statesboro, Bulloch County, and surrounding areas.”
Expanded air service and regional access
The airport now serves over 30 nonstop destinations and hosts 11 major airlines, with Spirit Airlines launching service this August. Southwest and Breeze Airways have also added new routes, significantly improving low-cost access to key hubs such as New York, Chicago, New England and South Florida.
Kelly noted that the airport’s reach extends to a 28-county catchment area — including Bulloch — and emphasized the growing connection with Georgia Southern University and local partners. “Statesboro is our next growth frontier,” he said. “We’re investing in that relationship through campus partnerships, sponsorships, support of Grice Connect and direct outreach.”
Cargo growth, Gulfstream expansion, and job creation
A major focus of the capital plan includes air cargo infrastructure. New cargo buildings are under construction with the goal of capturing freight currently being routed through other cities. “This is a game changer,” Kelly said, pointing to growing demand tied to Hyundai’s Metaplant in Bryan County and the broader logistics network serving Southeast Georgia.
Gulfstream Aerospace, already employing 10,000 people on airport property, is also expanding. Rolls-Royce and other major aeronautical businesses are increasing their presence as well, leveraging improved stormwater infrastructure and repurposed land from the airport’s old terminal area.
Planning for the future: Parking, runways, and international traffic
The airport recently added 1000 surface parking spaces and is under design for a new 2000 space parking deck to address growing demand — with parking revenue now topping $16 million annually. New international capabilities, including a $15 million federal inspection station, position Savannah to handle charter flights to and from Europe. An RFP is underway for an Ireland-based golf travel package that would operate from Savannah.
Long-term planning includes reconstruction of the airport’s primary runway, expansion of fuel storage capacity, and construction of a new general aviation campus and corporate hangars. A four-gate terminal expansion is already underway. Lastly, the airport is working with the GDOT on a major upgrade to the airport interchange on I-95.
Advocacy and statewide support
Despite Savannah’s size and economic impact — generating close to $20 million in net annual revenue — state investment in the airport remains low. Kelly called Georgia DOT’s airport funding support “inadequate” and encouraged regional leaders to advocate for better funding models.
“Our economic impact is massive, but the state investment doesn’t reflect that,” he said. “We need partners like Bulloch County on our side to change that.”
A two-way relationship with Statesboro and Bulloch rooted in growth
Doug Lambert emphasized the importance of collaboration between the airports, especially as Statesboro positions itself to support aviation needs tied to the Hyundai Metaplant, logistics, and economic development.
“We’re not competitors — we’re partners,” Lambert said. “Savannah is the regional hub, and we support that by providing general aviation capacity, training airspace, and infrastructure that helps the whole region function. That includes flight schools, business aviation, and emergency response readiness.”
Lambert noted that Savannah’s continued growth has led to constraints on general aviation availability, which creates opportunity for Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport to serve overflow activity — including aircraft training patterns, private jet access for corporate leaders, and military coordination.
“Every day, we have aircraft from Savannah doing training work here,” Lambert added. “That level of activity would be tough to manage on a busy commercial airfield. We provide flexibility and relief, and that’s only going to become more valuable.”
Shared strategy, shared economic benefit
Kelly echoed that sentiment, noting that Savannah’s long-term success depends on strong partnerships with airports like Statesboro’s.
“We view the Statesboro airport as an extension of our own infrastructure,” Kelly said. “Whether it's hosting overflow activity, supporting cargo access tied to Hyundai, or being part of our region’s emergency response system, it’s essential.”
The Savannah Airport Commission is currently updating its master plan and seeking public input from across its 28-county service area — which includes Bulloch. Lambert said he welcomes the inclusion.
“Our voices need to be at the table,” Lambert said. “We have a growing economy, a major university, and a regional population that increasingly relies on air service. It’s vital that we’re connected to that growth.”
Looking ahead: infrastructure, education, and logistics
The Savannah airport’s investments — including new cargo buildings, a four-gate terminal expansion, 2,000 additional parking spaces, and a federal inspection station for international charters — all contribute to a regional network Lambert says Bulloch County must be ready to plug into.
Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport is already in early conversations about additional hangar space, apron upgrades, and long-term economic development planning that mirrors what’s been done in Savannah.
“When Savannah succeeds, we benefit,” Lambert said. “And when we succeed, it gives Savannah flexibility they wouldn’t have otherwise. That’s how a true partnership works.”
Kelly agreed, citing Georgia Southern University and Statesboro’s growing logistics economy as strategic assets that strengthen the region’s position.
“Statesboro is not just a neighbor — it’s an essential part of the region’s success story,” Kelly said.
Kelly concluded with an open invitation: “We want to hear from passengers in Statesboro and across the region. What services do you want to see? What would make this your go-to airport? Let us know.” You can send your suggestions to [email protected]
