Travel Guide: Columbia, Sc: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Yes, Columbia, South Carolina, is served by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The airport is located in West Columbia, eight miles (or seven miles, according to another source) outside of downtown Columbia. It is the main commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport's location

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located in West Columbia, five miles (8.0 km) southwest of Columbia, in Lexington County. The airport is surrounded by the city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree.

The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport, designed to handle larger aircraft. During World War II, it became a military airfield and home to the 105th Observation Squadron. After the war, the airport was returned to civilian control, and in 1947, it was renamed the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,100 ha) and has two runways: 11/29, which is 8,601 ft x 150 ft (2,622 m x 46 m), and 5/23, which is 8,001 ft x 150 ft (2,439 m x 46 m). It also has a 50 ft x 50 ft (15 m x 15 m) helipad. The airport is easily accessible from the interstate and is about eight miles outside of downtown Columbia.

The terminal at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers comfortable seating, rocking chairs, gift shops, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is GBAC Star accredited for its sanitation practices and has taken extra precautions to prevent the spread of illness, including increased cleaning and hand sanitizing stations.

Airlines that fly to Columbia, SC

Columbia, South Carolina, is served by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), which is located in West Columbia, eight miles outside of downtown Columbia. The airport offers nonstop service to several destinations, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

Several airlines operate flights to and from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, including:

• American Airlines: American Airlines offers seasonal nonstop service to Miami International Airport (MIA) and Dallas/Fort Worth, as well as two daily nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth. They also provide flights to Charlotte and Chicago–O'Hare.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta has served Columbia for over 70 years and was the first airline to offer passenger service to the airport. They provide flights to Atlanta, New York–La Guardia, and several other destinations.
• United Airlines: United Airlines offers flights to Chicago–O'Hare, Washington–Dulles, and other destinations. They serve Columbia from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally.
• Alaska Airlines: This airline provides flights from the United States to Columbia, South Carolina.
• Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand is one of the airlines that fly to Columbia, offering flights from the United States.
• Brussels Airlines: Brussels Airlines operates flights from the United States to Columbia.
• Virgin Atlantic Airways: Virgin Atlantic provides flights to Columbia from the United States.

The airport also has a history with several other airlines, such as Eastern Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, and Atlantis Airlines, which have since discontinued service to Columbia.

History of Columbia Metropolitan Airport

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) was built in 1940 as the Lexington County Airport in Lexington County, five miles southwest of Columbia, South Carolina. The United States Army Air Corps indicated a need for the airfield as part of the buildup of its forces after World War II began in Europe. The earliest recorded Air Corps use of the airport was when the 105th Observation Squadron began flying Douglas O-38 and North American O-47 light observation aircraft on 24 September 1940.

In 1941, the airport came under formal military control, and it was turned into a military airfield. On 8 December 1941, as the Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia Army Airfield's mission was a training base for B-25 Mitchell crews. The 17th Bombardment Group, which arrived on 9 February 1942, was one of the earliest units to train at the base. Its combat crews were offered the opportunity to volunteer for the famous Doolittle Raid on Japan, an "extremely hazardous" but unspecified mission.

Training at the Columbia Army Air Base was phased down during the summer of 1945. The base was inactivated by the U.S. Army Air Forces on 30 November 1945 and returned to civil authorities, who converted it back into an airport. The 350th Bombardment Squadron was assigned to the airport on 16 July 1947 as part of the Air Force Reserve but was never equipped or manned and was inactivated on 27 June 1949.

Before World War II, Columbia's main civil airport had been Owens Field, but its location near downtown made expansion impossible. As a result, in 1947, most frontline passenger service relocated to the Lexington County Airport, which was renamed the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. A new terminal was built in the early 1950s but burned down, and a new one was constructed in its place.

In May 1965, a new "state-of-the-art" terminal was built, reflecting the prevailing architectural style of the 1960s. The terminal had high ceilings, ample seating, and plenty of space to gather. The Richland-Lexington Airport District was established in 1962 to operate the airport.

Passenger service at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport began with Delta Air Lines, which has served the airport for over 70 years. Delta Air Lines started with flights to Charleston, Asheville, Jacksonville, Augusta, Savannah, and New York–La Guardia. Eastern Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, Southern Airways, and Atlantis Airlines also served the airport in its early years.

Since its establishment, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport has undergone various capital improvements, including a renovated and expanded terminal, a new parking garage, lengthened runways, and improved interstate access. The airport covers 2,600 acres and has two runways, accommodating airplanes of any size. It serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines and was a hub for Air South, a former low-cost carrier.

Facilities and amenities at the airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located in West Columbia, South Carolina, and offers a range of facilities and amenities for travellers. The airport features comfortable seating, natural light, and relaxing rocking chairs throughout the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available, and passengers can also enjoy various dining and shopping options.

The Runway Food Court, operated by one of Columbia's popular caterers, offers a variety of dining options, including national brands such as Jimmy John's, Samuel Adams Columbia Brewhouse, and Dunkin'®. The food court is located beyond the security checkpoint. Before the security checkpoint, travellers can find The Friendly Caterer To-Go, which offers convenient curbside pickup for those who prefer to order in advance. Additionally, Red Eye Express Coffee serves gourmet coffees, teas, and local bakery treats, and is located just past the TSA checkpoint.

For shopping, the Paradies Shops/PGA Store offers coffee, snacks, and locally made gift items, with locations on both sides of the security checkpoint. The airport also features gift shops and art installations for passengers to explore and purchase souvenirs.

Other amenities at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport include ATMs, a small business centre in the baggage claim area, and a post office (Air Mail Facility). The airport is also GBAC Star accredited, recognised for its commitment to maintaining the health and safety of employees and travellers through thorough sanitation practices.

Accessibility at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Columbia, South Carolina, is serviced by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), located in West Columbia, eight miles outside of downtown Columbia. The airport is committed to providing accessible travel and has taken several steps to ensure that persons with disabilities can easily access its facilities, programs, and services.

Parking and Elevators

The parking deck at CAE is accessible to individuals with special needs and offers designated handicapped parking spaces. The airport provides free handicap parking to qualified parking patrons. All that is required is to present a valid handicap placard and driver's license, both issued by the same state, to the cashier at the time of exit.

Public-use, accessible elevators are located in the terminal building, including one on each concourse for accessible aircraft boarding. Elevators are also available in the lobby, baggage claim, and parking garage.

Restrooms and Family Room

All restrooms at CAE are accessible to individuals with disabilities and are located throughout the terminal, as indicated by the International Symbol of Accessibility. Most restrooms also have baby changing stations.

The airport also has a family room located in the lobby, offering accommodations for nursing mothers. Additionally, there is a MAMAVA Lactation Pod located on the concourse.

Security Checkpoints and Wheelchair Accessibility

All security checkpoints at the airport are accessible to individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. Passengers with disabilities can also arrange for escort and transport services with wheelchair assistance through their airline carrier or airline Skycaps, located at the front curb of the building. It is recommended to contact your airline before your travels to make any necessary arrangements.

Online Accessibility

Columbia Metropolitan Airport has also expanded its commitment to accessible travel by launching an inclusive online experience. This allows travellers to access content and airport information barrier-free through the CAE website.

Frequently asked questions