Lois Larson
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina, United States. The airport is located in Lexington County and is about 5 miles southwest of downtown Columbia. It was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport and has since undergone several rebrands and renovations, including the addition of a $45 million terminal expansion in recent years. CAE is a hub for UPS Airlines and several other major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport offers convenient access and essential amenities, making it a pleasant gateway to South Carolina for both business and leisure travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Columbia Metropolitan Airport |
| IATA Code | CAE |
| ICAO Code | KCAE |
| FAA LID | CAE |
| Location | Lexington County, South Carolina |
| Year Built | 1940 |
| Year Rebranded to CAE | 2000s |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, Southern Airways, UPS Airlines, Air South |
| Services | Dining options, car rentals, free Wi-Fi |
| Annual Passengers | 1 million (up to 1.5 million before the Great Recession) |
| Area | 2,600 acres |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Helipad Dimensions | 50 ft x 50 ft |
| Runway 5/23 | Asphalt center with grooved concrete edges |
| Aircraft Operations (as of Feb 22, 2022) | 63,338 (average of 174 per day) |
| Aircraft Based at Airport (as of Nov 2023) | 81 |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport's location: Columbia Metropolitan Airport is in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia, South Carolina
- IATA, ICAO and FAA LID codes: The airport is identified by its codes, CAE or KCAE
- History: The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport and was used by the US Army Air Corps during World War II
- Airlines: Major airlines like American, Delta, and United serve CAE, offering direct and connecting flights
- Facilities: CAE has a single terminal, essential amenities, and modern facilities with southern charm
The airport's location: Columbia Metropolitan Airport is in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia, South Carolina. It is about five miles from downtown Columbia and can be easily accessed via Interstate 26. The airport is not within the boundaries of West Columbia, despite having a street address listing this as its location. 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 airport covers 2,600 acres and has two runways and a helipad. It is a hub for UPS Airlines and was previously a hub for Air South, a low-cost carrier. CAE offers essential amenities such as dining options, car rentals, and free Wi-Fi. It is known for being easy to navigate and has a modern design with southern charm.
The history of the airport dates back to the 1940s when it was built as the Lexington County Airport. In 1940, the United States Army Air Corps expressed a need for the airfield as they built up their forces during World War II. The airport was managed by the Richland-Lexington Airport District, established in 1962, with a commission consisting of members nominated by Lexington County, Richland County, and the Columbia city council.
Over the years, CAE has undergone rebranding and expansion. In the early 2000s, it adopted the tagline "Fly with Ease," which is still used today. The airport has also seen fluctuations in its flight offerings and passenger numbers, impacted by events such as the September 11, 2001 attacks and the Great Recession.
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IATA, ICAO and FAA LID codes: The airport is identified by its codes, CAE or KCAE
Columbia Metropolitan Airport, located in West Columbia, South Carolina, is identified by the codes CAE or KCAE. These codes are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Local Identifier (LID).
The airport's IATA code is CAE, which is also used as an acronym for the airport's name and appears in various forms throughout its history and marketing materials. The airport's ICAO code is KCAE, and its FAA LID code is also CAE. These unique codes are essential for air traffic control, pilot communication, and airport identification in flight schedules, navigation, and aviation infrastructure.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as Lexington County Airport in 1940. It served as an airfield for the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, with the 105th Observation Squadron utilising light observation aircraft. In the 1950s, the need for a formalised group to manage the airport arose, leading to the creation of the Richland-Lexington Airport District in 1962. Passenger services began with Delta Air Lines, and the airport has since expanded its offerings.
The airport has undergone several rebrands and updates to its tagline, reflecting its evolution. CAE has also been featured in films, including the 2006 film "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," showcasing its versatility and cultural significance.
Today, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a key regional airport, serving South Carolina's capital and surrounding areas. It offers convenient access and modern facilities, providing a pleasant gateway to the state. With a range of amenities, efficient navigation, and direct flights to major hubs, the airport caters to both business and leisure travellers.
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History: The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport and was used by the US Army Air Corps during World War II
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport, commonly known as CAE, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of World War II. Built in 1940 as the Lexington County Airport, it played a crucial role in the country's military efforts during a turbulent time in global history.
During World War II, the United States Army Air Corps recognized the need for an airfield as they began to build up their forces following the outbreak of war in Europe. The airport, located in Lexington County, just southwest of Columbia, became an essential asset for the Air Corps. The earliest recorded use of the airport by the Air Corps was on September 24, 1940, when the 105th Observation Squadron began flying Douglas O-38 and North American O-47 light observation aircraft.
The airport has been a significant part of the community and has undergone several transformations over the years. In the 1950s, officials from the city of Columbia acknowledged the need for a dedicated group to manage and support the airport's operations. This led to the formation of a "test commission" that tackled various projects, including the rebuilding of the Lexington County Airport terminal after a fire in 1947. The commission ensured that the airport served both Richland and Lexington counties.
In the early 1960s, the "test commission" evolved into the official Richland-Lexington Airport District (RLAD) Commission, consisting of elected individuals from both counties and the Columbia city council. Their efforts paved the way for the airport to become a bustling aviation hub. Passenger service began with Delta Air Lines, which has served Columbia for over 70 years, offering flights to destinations such as Charleston, Asheville, Jacksonville, and New York–La Guardia.
Over the years, CAE has continued to grow and expand its operations. In the 1980s, the airport added a full-time U.S. Customs Service staff and became a Port of Entry, facilitating international cargo shipments and aircraft clearances. The airport has also been a popular filming location, with scenes from the 2006 film "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" and the 1943 World War II film "A Guy Named Joe" being shot there.
Today, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) remains a vital gateway to South Carolina, serving approximately 1 million passengers annually. With its modern facilities, convenient location, and efficient design, it continues to play a crucial role in connecting the region to the rest of the world.
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Airlines: Major airlines like American, Delta, and United serve CAE, offering direct and connecting flights
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina, United States. The airport is located in Lexington County, southwest of Columbia. CAE is a hub for UPS Airlines and was a hub for Air South, a former low-cost carrier.
CAE hosts several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, providing direct and connecting flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas/Fort Worth. American Airlines offers nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami, while United Airlines provides nonstop service to Charlotte and Chicago. Delta Air Lines has served Columbia for over 70 years, offering flights to various destinations, including Charleston, Asheville, Jacksonville, and New York–La Guardia.
In addition to these major airlines, CAE also partners with low-cost carriers like PEOPLExpress (acquired by Continental Airlines in 1987), which offered nonstop service to Newark. The airport also provides essential amenities such as dining options, car rentals, and free Wi-Fi, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
The airport covers 2,600 acres and has two runways, with an average of 174 aircraft operations daily. CAE recently completed a $45 million terminal expansion and renovation, reflecting its commitment to accessible travel and modern facilities. Annually, the airport serves about 1 million passengers, though that number was closer to 1.5 million before the Great Recession.
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Facilities: CAE has a single terminal, essential amenities, and modern facilities with southern charm
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main commercial airport serving Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina, US. It is located in Lexington County, about five miles southwest of downtown Columbia. CAE has a single terminal, designed for easy navigation and efficiency, and offers essential amenities and modern facilities with southern charm.
The airport covers 2,600 acres and has two runways, one primarily asphalt and the other grooved concrete, as well as a helipad. CAE is a hub for UPS Airlines and was previously a hub for Air South, a low-cost carrier. The airport serves about one million passengers annually, though this number was higher before the 2008 recession. CAE also functions as a regional cargo hub, with a dedicated air cargo terminal called the Columbia Airport Enterprise Park (CAE Park).
Passenger services are provided by five scheduled airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These airlines offer direct and connecting flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Commercial cargo services are handled by three scheduled airlines and several air freight operators, with two fixed-base operators serving the Metro facility with charter flights.
CAE offers essential amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for all travellers. Dining options are available, as well as car rental services and free Wi-Fi. The airport also features a multi-level parking structure, which was delayed due to heightened security concerns following the events of September 11, 2001. Nearby accommodation options include the Clarion Inn Airport Hotel and the Sleep Inn Airport Hotel, both of which offer free airport transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
CAE is the International Air Transport Association code for Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
CAE is the airport's IATA code, but it is also used in other acronyms relating to the airport, such as its ICAO code (KCAE) and FAA LID code (CAE).
The airport was built in 1940 as Lexington County Airport. In 1962, the Richland-Lexington Airport District was established to operate the airport, and it was renamed Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
