AIKEN, S.C. () — The Masters doesn’t just bring golf patrons—it fills the skies too. Now, Aiken Regional Airport is looking to expand.

“The 10 days or so around the masters tournament is by far the busiest time of activity,” Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh said.

Every year, Aiken Regional Airport turns into a hub for high-profile arrivals—business leaders, celebrities, even emergency services. But the airport is struggling to keep up. “We’ve had more equestrian events, more of the private, golf clubs with, national membership, we are seeing more plane traffic,” he added.

The airport is hoping to get a little more than $8 million from the FAA. It’ll go toward upgrading the runway—resurfacing, lighting, and some extensions. The feds would cover most of the cost, with the state and local government chipping in. “We could not get a lot of the projects and improvements done without the aid of those matches,” Bedenbaugh shared.

$8 million helps, but it won’t cover everything. Long-term plans include a permanent control tower, expanded taxiways, and terminal improvements. “The proximity to Interstate 20 or going down US one toward Augusta makes it a nice destination,” he added.