Welcome to Sumter Airport. This airport is located just 4 nautical miles north of downtown Sumter, South Carolina. It serves the local community and is a public use airport. Sumter Airport is owned and operated by Sumter County. The airport manager is Jeff Knauer, who oversees its daily operations. Although it has the IATA code SUM, the FAA uses the code SMS for this airport. Sumter Airport may be small, but it plays an important role in connecting travelers to the region.

Live Air Traffic

Sumter Airport is a public use airport in South Carolina. It sits 4 nautical miles north of downtown Sumter. The airport is owned and operated by Sumter County. An Airport Commission manages it. Jeff Knauer is the airport manager. Sumter Airport has the IATA code SUM and the FAA code SMS. It serves local travelers and supports general aviation. The airport provides a convenient option for those flying in and out of the area.

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KSMS
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Sumter
IATA: SUM
Longitude: -80.361297607422
Latitude: 33.994998931885

Sumter Airport on Google Maps

metkaQuinns Crossroad
Today 16 °C / 60.8 °F
  • sunFew clouds
  • humidityHumidity: 46
  • WindWind: 5 m/sec
Sun

8 C / 46.4 °F

Mon

8 C / 46.4 °F

Tue

6 C / 42.8 °F

Wed

10 C / 50 °F

Thu

12 C / 53.6 °F

You Must Log In To Comment

I Lured My Mom Into the Sumter Airport, Her Gateway to Free French Fries and Front Porch-sitting Charm of South Carolina

Introduction

Located in the center of SC, Sumter Airport (IATA: SUM; ICAO: KSMS; FAA LID: SMS) is a medium-sized regional airport that acts as an important link to this part of the country. The airport, attributable to Sumter County, is operated by an Airport Commission and has been linking world and native vacationers with the Palmetto State since opening in February 1957.

Airlines and Destinations

While Sumter Airport is a midsized facility, it serves as a convenient and accessible option to larger airports in the region. However, it still sees service from several charter and private aviation operators connecting the facility to other destinations in the Southeast or beyond.

Passengers and Flights

As a general aviation airport, Sumter has 31 based aircraft at the airfield and is home to regular private operations. Although exact passenger numbers are not public, the airport contributes significantly in helping to support economic development and meet air transportation needs of our community.

How to Get Here

Sumter Airport is situated about 4 miles (6 km) north of the center business district of Sumter, SC. The airport has convenient access from all the major highways, and its main entrance is along Flightline Drive.

Parking

Sumter Airport offers ample parking to meet all of its visitors' needs. On the east side of the terminal, a Short Term Parking Lot offers some quick pick-up and drop-off action with two free hours, then standard rates. Long Term Parking Lots A and B can be found northeast and southeast of the terminal, respectively, with daily rates occurring at $15 for extended stays.

Transportation Price

There are no in-house transportation services at Sumter Airport, but you can book an Uber, rental cars, or taxis. Different companies offer varying prices for these services on a distance basis.

Terminal Layout

The terminal at Sumter Airport is a small, one-level facility housing basic passenger facilities. The arrangement is direct and has insights on registration, security, and baggage claim.

Navigate the Airport

Traveling through Sumter Airport is convenient and easy due to its small size. In the terminal, there is signage to guide passengers - leading them through the security checkpoint (if necessary), and on to gates or transportation areas.

Getting Between Terminals

Being a single-terminal facility, there is no trouble transferring between terminals at Sumter Airport. Inside the main terminal building, you have centralized your passenger operations.

Services and Amenities

Despite being a relatively modest transportation facility, Sumter Airport offers several different features for the needs of its passengers. It has a waiting room, restrooms, and simple concessions.

Restaurants and Shops

Dining and shopping in Sumter Airport is limited, but there are a few local restaurants along with the usual small retail outlets found inside this terminal. Nearby, the community of Wedgefield offers more options at Sumter Mall and other commercial areas with wider choices in dining and shopping.

Security and Customs

Sumter Airport is secured as a general aviation airport, but unfolds procedures that one must stick to prior to coming back into the U.S. All passengers must pass through security, and those entering the country internationally will also be subject to customs/immigration on arrival.

Accessibility

The Sumter Airport ensures that the terminal, aircraft ramp, and public restrooms are accessible to all passengers. The terminal and grounds are also disabilities-friendly, with facilities including designated parking, ramps, and access to restrooms.

Travel Tips

Get More from Your Sumter Airport Experience With These Travel Tips

  • If possible, book flights at off-peak hours: The less crowded the airport is (outside of peak travel times like early mornings and weekends), the more bearable it becomes for everyone.
  • Checking in online is worth it: Airplanes have the option to allow you to check-in for your flight up to 24 hours early to help avoid long lines when at an airport.
  • Never forget about the security rules: check out currently valid TSA recommendations to be well prepared for a fast screening procedure and avoid any substances which might hold you in line.
  • Be prepared to arrive early: the airport can be hard to navigate if you don't know your way around or have unique requirements.
  • Get out and about at Sumter: If you have not yet had enough of the Carolinas, linger a little longer as there is so much to see and do across Sumter and nearby.