Lois Larson
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CAE) is the main commercial airport serving Columbia, South Carolina, United States. The airport is located in West Columbia, eight miles from downtown Columbia, and is surrounded by the city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree. Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers non-stop flights to eight major cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. The airport covers 2,600 acres and has two runways, with a helipad in the centre. In 2024, the airport served 1,362,374 passengers, edging out its previous record of 1,353,788 passengers in 2019.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia Regional Airport |
| Location | West Columbia, South Carolina, United States |
| Distance from downtown Columbia | 8 miles |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, UPS Airlines |
| Non-stop flights to | Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Charleston, Asheville, Jacksonville, Augusta, Savannah |
| Number of runways | 2 |
| Helipad dimensions | 50 ft x 50 ft |
| Aircraft operations (year ending February 22, 2022) | 63,338 (average of 174 per day) |
| Aircraft based at the airport (as of November 2023) | 81 (44 single-engine, 13 multi-engine, 14 jet, 5 helicopter, 5 gliders) |
| Cargo hub | Yes (for UPS Airlines) |
| Annual passengers | Approximately 1 million |
| Transportation to/from the airport | Uber, Lyft, taxis, rental cars |
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What You'll Learn
Columbia Metropolitan Airport
The airport was originally built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport and was used by the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1947, most frontline passenger service relocated to the airport, and it was renamed Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The city of Columbia built a new terminal at the airport in the early 1950s.
Passenger service at the airport is provided by five scheduled airlines, with commercial cargo service handled by three scheduled airlines and numerous air freight operators. Two fixed-base operators also serve the Metro facility with various charter flights. More than 1.1 million passengers travel through the airport each year, and more than 1,400 people work there.
In 2024, Columbia Metropolitan Airport saw 1,362,374 passengers, edging out the previous record of 1,353,788 passengers in 2019. The airport has also seen several aircraft incidents, including crashes in 1973 and 2008, and an incident in 2020 where a Western Global Airlines Boeing 747 lost a wingtip while taxiing before takeoff.
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Columbia Regional Airport
The airport has seen several improvements over the years, including the addition of a new terminal in October 2022. The new terminal spans 56,000 square feet and features three jetways. Columbia Regional Airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021-2025, where it is categorized as a non-hub airport.
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Airlines and destinations
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CAE, ICAO: KCAE, FAA LID: CAE) is the main commercial airport for Columbia, South Carolina, United States. The airport is located in West Columbia, five miles (8.0 km) southwest of Columbia, in Lexington County. The airport is served by five scheduled passenger airlines, with commercial cargo service being handled by three scheduled airlines and numerous air freight operators. Two fixed-base operators also serve the Metro facility with various charter flights. The airport offers non-stop flights to Columbia, SC from 8 major cities: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Washington, DC (DCA).
Columbia Metropolitan Airport has seen significant passenger traffic, with 1,362,374 passengers in 2024, surpassing its previous record of 1,353,788 passengers in 2019. The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,100 hectares) and features two runways and a helipad. It serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines and was previously a hub for Air South, a former low-cost carrier. Delta Air Lines has served Columbia for over 70 years, offering flights to destinations such as Charleston, Asheville, Jacksonville, Augusta, Savannah, and New York–La Guardia.
Columbia Regional Airport is another airport serving Columbia, providing non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare International Airports through American Airlines. This airport provides easy access and a relaxed flying experience to passengers.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport provides convenient transportation options for travellers, including rental car services from companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, as well as ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. Taxi services are also available outside the baggage claim area on the lower level.
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Airport facilities
Columbia Metropolitan Airport, located in West Columbia, South Carolina, is the main commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region. It is conveniently situated 8 miles from downtown Columbia and offers non-stop flights to and from 8 major cities. The airport covers 2,600 acres and has two runways, as well as a helipad.
The airport is well-equipped with various facilities to cater to the needs of travellers. The terminal features gift shops, the Everett Adams Memorial Chapel, and a selection of restaurants and bars. Free wireless internet service is provided throughout the airport, along with recharge stations for electronic devices. Police and fire/rescue services are readily available and provided by the Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff.
For transportation to and from the airport, Columbia offers a range of options. Car rental companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise have counters in the baggage claim area. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available for convenient travel to and from the airport. Taxi services can also be easily accessed outside the baggage claim area, with fares from the airport to downtown Columbia costing approximately $25.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport accommodates a significant number of passengers annually, serving about 1 million travellers. The airport has undergone capital improvements over the years, including the expansion of the terminal, the construction of a new parking garage, and enhancements to the runways. These improvements contribute to a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for passengers passing through Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
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Transport to/from the airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CAE) is located in West Columbia, five miles (8.0 km) southwest of Columbia, in Lexington County. It is surrounded by the city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree. The airport is about eight miles from downtown Columbia.
Columbia Regional Airport is another airport in Columbia, served by American Airlines, with non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare International Airports.
There are several transport options for getting to and from Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Rental car counters, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty, can be found on the lower level in the baggage claim area. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available. Several taxi companies provide pick-up and drop-off services outside the baggage claim area on the lower level. The taxi fare from the airport to downtown Columbia is approximately $25, while service to Fort Jackson is a $32 flat rate.
The airport also has a parking garage, which was completed in 2003.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. It is called Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) and is located in West Columbia, 8 miles from downtown Columbia.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is served by Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and UPS Airlines, among others.
The airport offers non-stop flights to 8 major cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
The airport has gift shops, the Everett Adams Memorial Chapel, restaurants, and bars. Free wireless internet service is provided throughout the airport, and there are also recharge stations with access to outlets.
