The 2019 Wings Over Myrtle Beach air show has been canceled, according to a post on the organization’s Facebook page.
According to the post, Horry County and Myrtle Beach International Airport officials told JLC AirShow Management on Aug. 21 that an agreement will not be approved.
A letter from Horry County to JLC AirShow management reads, “As the result of airfield constraints, anticipated construction projects, and other ongoing issues, please be advised that Horry County cannot consent to any airshow renewal options as contemplated in that Agreement for professional Services between Horry County and JLC Airshow Management, LLC.”
Kirk Lovell with Myrtle Beach Airport said that the construction project is a taxiway rehabilitation project. The Federal Aviation Administration gave money to the Horry County Airport Department for the multiphase project, with the first part beginning this year.
He said the project was planned for several years.
“The Myrtle Beach International Airport has experienced significant growth over the past several years, this phased project will enable the airport to accommodate current and future demand,” Lovell said.
He said once the process is complete the airport will “explore opportunities that will complement the airports commercial and general aviation operations.”
The show, which was scheduled for May 4-5, 2019, was set to feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
“Team JLC would like to say THANK-YOU to the Myrtle Beach and Horry County community that worked so hard to make the 2018 air show a successful event,” the Facebook post reads.
JLC AirShow Management spokeswoman Brenda Little said she did not have further information on why the show was canceled or the construction the airport is working on. She did say the construction was pretty involved.
“We were hoping for a strong show in 2019,” Little said.
Last year, the United States Navy Blue Angels flew over Myrtle Beach for the first air show, which attracted more than 120,000 people, according to organizers.
The event experienced some problems, including issues with a shuttle service that was implemented to drive people from Fantasy Harbor to the airport.
The long lines resulted in several unused tickets that were purchased for the Saturday performance. Organizers worked with county officials to allow people to use those tickets on Sunday and to improve the shuttle system.
This story was originally published August 29, 2018 10:05 AM.