Columbus, Georgia: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Columbus, Georgia is served by the Columbus Airport (CSG), formerly known as Columbus Metropolitan Airport and originally named Muscogee County Airport. The airport is located four miles northeast of Columbus in Muscogee County. It is owned and operated by the Columbus Airport Commission and serves as the Hometown Airport for the second-largest city in Georgia, accommodating over 100,000 passengers annually. Columbus Airport offers convenient transportation options and amenities, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors travelling in and out of the city.

Columbus Airport's location and ownership

Columbus Airport (IATA: CSG, ICAO: KCSG, FAA LID: CSG) is located four miles northeast of Columbus, in Muscogee County, Georgia, United States. The airport is three nautical miles northeast of the central business district of Columbus, Georgia's third-largest city. It is within minutes of the Fort Benning Military Infantry base and serves the Columbus, Georgia, and Fort Moore areas.

Columbus Airport covers 680 acres (275 ha) at an elevation of 397 feet (121 m). It has two intersecting runways: Runway 6/24, the primary runway, and Runway 13/31, the secondary runway. Runway 6/24 is 6,997 feet by 150 feet (2,133 m x 46 m), while Runway 13/31 is 3,997 feet by 150 feet (1,218 m x 46 m). The airport has a rotating beacon, illuminated wind cone, automated surface observing system (ASOS), and a control tower.

Columbus Airport is owned and operated by the Columbus Airport Commission, which was established under an amendment to the Constitution of Georgia on April 9, 1968. The Commission is responsible for the airport's promotion and operations but cannot collect taxes. The airport's five commissioners are appointed to five-year terms by the council of the Columbus Consolidated Government, an elected body representing the districts of Columbus.

Airlines that fly to Columbus Airport

Columbus Airport (CSG) is located in Georgia, United States, and serves the city of Columbus and Fort Moore. It is owned and operated by the Columbus Airport Commission and is Georgia's fourth busiest airport.

The airport has a long history, with planning beginning before World War II to build a larger alternative to the existing Columbus Municipal Airport. Construction continued through the war, and the completed airfield was officially designated as open to the public on December 10, 1944.

Eastern Airlines brought the first scheduled airline service to the airport on August 1, 1944, connecting it to Atlanta and Montgomery. Since then, various airlines have offered services to and from Columbus Airport, including Delta Air Lines, Southern, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), Northwest Airlink, and Eastern Metro Express.

As of 2024, Delta Connection is the sole commercial carrier operating at Columbus Airport, with two to three daily flights to and from Atlanta. However, the airport has historically provided passenger, cargo, and charter flights to several destinations in the Eastern United States.

• Delta Air Lines
• Eastern Airlines
• Southern
• Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA)
• Northwest Airlink
• Eastern Metro Express
• American Eagle

Airport amenities

Columbus Airport in Georgia offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for its passengers. Here is an overview of the amenities available:

Parking and Transportation

The airport provides ample parking options for both short-term and long-term visitors, with designated lots for different types of visitors, including fixed-base operators. The parking lots are conveniently located at ground level, making it easy for passengers to access the terminal. In addition, the airport offers various ground transportation options for those travelling to and from Columbus and Fort Moore. This includes taxi services, rental car companies, and the METRA Transit System, with a bus stop located along Airport Thruway.

Check-in and Security

Passengers can benefit from easy check-in processes at the airline and car rental counters, ensuring a smooth start to their journey. The airport also offers stress-free security procedures, allowing travellers to move through the necessary checks efficiently and without undue delays.

Boarding and Waiting Areas

Columbus Airport boasts speedy boarding processes, reducing the time passengers spend waiting to board their flights. For those awaiting their boarding time, the airport provides comfortable seating throughout, including an indoor aircraft viewing area. Free Wi-Fi is also available, enabling passengers to stay connected and entertained during their time in the terminal.

Military and Graduation Services

The airport caters to military personnel with dedicated services, including military discounts and information on where graduations are held. This amenity is particularly relevant given the airport's proximity to the U.S. Army base.

Commercial Services

Columbus Airport is served by Delta, providing commercial flight services to passengers. The airport accommodates over 100,000 passengers annually, making it a significant hub for commercial air travel in the region.

The history of Columbus Airport

Columbus Airport in Georgia, United States, is located four miles northeast of Columbus, in Muscogee County. It is Georgia's fourth busiest airport, serving the state's second-largest city, and accommodating over 100,000 passengers annually. The airport covers 680 acres and has two intersecting runways.

Planning for a larger, more modern airport to replace the original airfield began before World War II. Construction of the Muscogee County Airport, now known as Columbus Airport, continued through the war years, and in November 1942, the county offered the use of the airfield to the federal government for military operations upon completion. The new airport featured paved runways with lighting, a significant upgrade from the grass airfield of the original Columbus Municipal Airport.

On December 10, 1944, the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) officially designated the completed Muscogee County Airport open for public use. Eastern Airlines brought the first scheduled airline service to the airport on August 1, 1944, before it was even certified for use by the CAA. The first scheduled flight arrived in Columbus at 3:08 pm as a stop on a route from New York to Houston.

In 1947, Delta Air Lines initiated services to the airport, followed by Southern Airways in 1949. These three airlines, Eastern, Delta, and Southern, dominated the airline service at Columbus through the late 1970s.

Following the merger of Muscogee County and the city of Columbus, the airport was renamed Columbus Metropolitan Airport in 1971. The older Columbus Municipal Airport closed in 1969 during the consolidation process.

In the late 1970s, the Airline Deregulation Act led to an increase in regional airline services at Columbus Metropolitan Airport. Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) was the first of these new carriers, starting operations in 1979.

The airport underwent a significant renovation in 1991, with a new $12 million terminal building replacing the original terminal. Another major renovation was completed in 2021, increasing the terminal's capacity and adding seating and an indoor aircraft viewing area.

In 2010, the airport underwent a simplification of its name, changing from Columbus Metropolitan Airport to Columbus Airport. This name change coincided with a $3.3 million renovation project that updated the terminal's interior aesthetics and repaved Runway 6/24.

Columbus Airport continues to serve the region, providing commercial, passenger, cargo, and charter flights to destinations in the Eastern United States.

Hotels near Columbus Airport

Columbus Airport, formerly known as Columbus Metropolitan Airport, is located four miles northeast of Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. The airport serves Georgia's second-largest city and is the fourth busiest airport in the state. It offers convenient transportation options to Columbus and Fort Moore and provides easy parking, check-in, security, boarding, and free Wi-Fi.

Comfort Suites Columbus State University

This hotel is located less than a mile from the airport, making it a convenient option for travellers with early flights. It offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to the city's attractions.

Sleep Inn on Armour Road

Also located less than a mile from the airport, Sleep Inn is a great choice for a quick layover. The hotel provides comfortable rooms and essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.

Studio 6 Columbus, Ga – Columbus Airport

Located just minutes from the airport, Studio 6 offers convenient and comfortable accommodation. The hotel provides easy access to local attractions and dining options.

Extended Stay America Suites - Columbus - Airport

Extended Stay America Suites is a great option for travellers seeking extended stays or requiring more space. The hotel offers suites with kitchenettes, making it convenient for those who prefer to cook their meals.

Candlewood Suites Columbus-Northeast

Located northeast of Columbus, this hotel provides easy access to the airport and nearby attractions. It offers comfortable rooms and suites, and some rooms feature kitchenettes for added convenience.

These hotels offer a range of amenities and convenient access to Columbus Airport. Be sure to check their websites or your preferred travel booking platform for the latest information on amenities, rates, and availability.

Frequently asked questions