Ruth Haines
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport serving Columbia, South Carolina, and the surrounding Midlands region. It is located in Lexington County, about eight miles from downtown Columbia. The airport is governed by the Richland-Lexington Airport District, which was established in 1962 and is overseen by a 12-member commission with representatives from Lexington County, Richland County, and the Columbia city council. CAE accommodates over 1.1 million passengers annually and provides passenger service through five scheduled airlines and commercial cargo service through three airlines and numerous air freight operators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Columbia Metropolitan Airport |
| Location | Lexington County, southwest of Columbia |
| Address | 3250 AIRPORT BLVD, SUITE 10, WEST COLUMBIA, SC 29170 |
| Phone | (803) 822-5017 |
| Year of Construction | 1940 |
| Previous Name | Lexington County Airport |
| Governing Body | Richland-Lexington Airport District |
| Commission Members | 12 |
| Commission Nomination | 5 from Lexington County, 5 from Richland County, and 2 from Columbia City Council |
| Police and Fire/Rescue Services | Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety |
| Cargo Hub | UPS Airlines |
| Passenger Airlines | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines |
| Cargo Airlines | 3 scheduled airlines and numerous air freight operators |
| Fixed-Base Operators | 2 |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is governed by a 12-member commission
- Five members each are nominated by Richland and Lexington County legislative delegations
- Two members are nominated by the Columbia city council
- Police and fire/rescue services are provided by the Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety
- The airport is located in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia
The airport is governed by a 12-member commission
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport serving Columbia, South Carolina, and the surrounding Midlands region. Located eight miles outside of downtown Columbia, the airport is situated in Lexington County, with the cities of Cayce and West Columbia, and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree, in close proximity. CAE accommodates more than 1.1 million passengers annually and employs upwards of 1,400 people. The airport is also a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines, with commercial cargo services provided by three airlines and multiple air freight operators.
The history of the airport dates back to 1940 when it was established as the Lexington County Airport. During World War II, the airport came under military control and was transformed into a training base for B-25 Mitchell crews, known as the Columbia Army Air Base. After the war, the airport resumed its civil aviation role, expanding its facilities and services over the years.
Today, CAE offers a range of amenities and services for passengers and has recently launched an inclusive online experience, providing barrier-free access to content and airport information through its website. The airport also prioritises safety and has invested in emergency training exercises and a multi-million-dollar checkpoint expansion project. Police and fire/rescue services are provided by the Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety, ensuring the security and well-being of travellers and staff.
In summary, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a vital transportation hub for the region, governed by a dedicated commission that ensures its smooth operation and continued growth. With a rich history, a focus on accessibility and safety, and a commitment to serving the community, CAE plays a crucial role in connecting Columbia to the rest of the world.
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Five members each are nominated by Richland and Lexington County legislative delegations
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport serving Columbia, South Carolina, and the surrounding Midlands region. It is located in Lexington County, about eight miles from downtown Columbia. The airport is run by a 12-member commission, with five members each nominated by Richland and Lexington County's legislative delegations, and two members nominated by the Columbia city council.
The airport was established in 1940 as Lexington County Airport, and in 1962, the Richland-Lexington Airport District was set up to manage its operations. CAE has grown to become a significant hub, with over 1.1 million passengers annually and around 1,400 employees. The airport offers non-stop flights to nine major airports across eight cities, and its partner airlines include prominent carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
The Richland County legislative delegation plays a crucial role in the airport's governance by nominating five members to the commission. This delegation represents the interests of Richland County, which is one of the primary areas served by the airport. The delegation ensures that the needs and concerns of Richland County residents and businesses using the airport are addressed. They also work collaboratively with their counterparts from Lexington County to maintain a cohesive and effective governing body for the airport.
Similarly, the Lexington County legislative delegation nominates five members to the commission, reflecting the county where the airport is physically located. This delegation advocates for the interests of Lexington County residents and businesses dependent on the airport. They work in tandem with the Richland County delegation to ensure a balanced representation of the two counties, fostering a cooperative environment for the airport's efficient functioning.
The five members nominated by each county's legislative delegation bring a diverse range of skills and expertise to the commission. They collaborate to make informed decisions regarding airport operations, infrastructure development, and strategic planning. By working together, they ensure that CAE remains a safe, efficient, and economically viable gateway for the region, contributing to the overall prosperity of both Richland and Lexington Counties.
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Two members are nominated by the Columbia city council
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina. The airport is located in Lexington County, about eight miles outside of downtown Columbia. It is governed by a 12-member commission, with two members nominated by the Columbia City Council.
The history of the airport dates back to 1940 when it was built as the Lexington County Airport. In 1941, the airport came under formal military control and was turned into a military airfield, known as the Columbia Army Air Base. After World War II, the airport resumed its role as a civil aviation hub, serving the city of Columbia and the surrounding region.
Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including a multi-million-dollar checkpoint expansion project. CAE has also been committed to accessible travel, providing an inclusive online experience for passengers with various needs. The airport handles a significant passenger volume, with over 1.1 million passengers travelling through it annually.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Eastern Airlines. These airlines offer non-stop flights to destinations such as Atlanta, New York, Washington, and Chicago. The airport also serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines and provides commercial cargo services through various airlines and air freight operators.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is governed by a commission that includes members nominated by the local legislative delegations and the Columbia City Council. This governing body is responsible for the airport's operations, maintenance, and development, ensuring its efficient functioning as a vital transportation hub for the region.
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Police and fire/rescue services are provided by the Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport serving Columbia, South Carolina, and the surrounding Midlands region. Located eight miles outside of downtown Columbia, the airport is in Lexington County, southwest of the city. The airport is surrounded by the city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree, which separate it from West Columbia.
The Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety provides police and fire/rescue services. The department's officers are South Carolina Police Academy Class 1 officers, and some have basic EMT certifications. The department's firefighters are certified by the South Carolina Fire Academy as IFSAC Firefighter II and Airport Firefighter. The department is equipped with three ARFF units, one RIV unit, one fire pumper, a service truck, and four patrol vehicles for law enforcement. The department provides fire services at the FAR 139 level, while structural firefighting is handled by the Lexington County Fire Service.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is governed by the Richland-Lexington Airport District, which was established in 1962. The district is overseen by a 12-member commission, with five members nominated by each of Lexington and Richland County's legislative delegations and two members nominated by the Columbia city council. The airport has seen significant passenger traffic, with over 1.1 million passengers annually and a record of 1,362,374 passengers in 2024.
The airport offers passenger services through five scheduled airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, providing non-stop flights to 11 cities and connections to over 400 cities. Commercial cargo services are also available through three scheduled airlines and numerous air freight operators. CAE Park, a dedicated air cargo terminal, and Foreign Trade Zone #127 support the airport's cargo operations.
The airport has recently expanded its commitment to accessible travel by introducing an inclusive online experience for passengers to access information easily. Additionally, CAE is in the next phase of its multi-million-dollar checkpoint expansion project, with construction moving inside the terminal.
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The airport is located in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia, South Carolina. It is the main commercial airport for the Columbia region and the Midlands region of the state. More than 1.1 million passengers travel through the airport each year, and it is a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines. The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport, and in 1941, it came under formal military control. It was used as a training base for B-25 Mitchell crews, and several units trained at the base during World War II.
In 1962, the Richland-Lexington Airport District was established to operate the airport. The airport is governed by a 12-member commission, with five members nominated by Lexington County's legislative delegation, five by Richland County, and two by the Columbia city council. Police and fire/rescue services are provided by the Columbia Metro Airport Department of Public Safety, and structural firefighting is handled by the Lexington County Fire Service.
The airport is located eight miles outside of downtown Columbia and is surrounded by the city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree. It has a street address listing West Columbia as its location, but it is not within that city's boundaries. The airport has recently expanded its commitment to accessible travel by launching an online experience for passengers to access content and airport information barrier-free. CAE also plans to continue with the next phase of its multi-million-dollar checkpoint expansion project.
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Frequently asked questions
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is governed by a 12-member commission, with five members nominated by Lexington County's legislative delegation, five by Richland County's legislative delegation, and two by the Columbia city council.
The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport and came under formal military control in 1941, serving as a training base for B-25 Mitchell crews. In 1942, the 17th Bombardment Group was one of the earliest units to train at the base. The airport was originally called the Columbia Army Air Base.
The airport is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Eastern Airlines.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport has a dedicated Department of Public Safety, with officers who are trained at the South Carolina Police Academy and the South Carolina Fire Academy. The department has several ARFF and fire units, as well as patrol vehicles for law enforcement.
