Columbia Metropolitan Airport marks rise in passengers — here’s why

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The Columbia Metropolitan Airport welcomed 1,234,487 million passengers in 2023 — inching closer to the highest number of passengers in over a decade that was reached in 2019.

With a 16% increase over 2022’s passenger traffic, which saw 1,063,630 passengers, the increase CAE experienced in 2023 was due in part to the addition of numerous routes and service on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, the release stated.

“Seeing a continuous increase of passenger traffic through the airport is going to be the ultimate indicator of the always forward, positive momentum we’re looking to maintain here at CAE,” said President and CEO Mike Gula in a news release. “The number of individuals that choose to utilize our airport has a significant impact on our overall sustainability and future success.”

Last summer, American Airlines (AA) added a nonstop route from CAE to Chicago — a first for American Airlines in the Columbia market, the release stated. Additionally, AA added a nonstop flight from CAE to New York City (LaGuardia) as well as brought back its seasonal service from CAE to Miami. Delta Air Lines added a second nonstop flight from CAE to New York City (LaGuardia) — offering a morning and evening option to passengers.

Related content: Work begins on multi-year Columbia airport master plan

“Having options of routes, carriers and flight times is crucial to travelers when looking to book a flight,” said Kim Jamieson, vice president of marketing and air service development, in the release. “These additional routes make a difference in the decision process and will impact a passenger’s choice to fly out of CAE or another airport. We are thankful for this additional service for the region and look forward to seeing more service added in 2024.”

Airport has more food and beverage options

To further accommodate and enhance travelers’ experience, CAE, in partnership with its concessionaires, updated a number of food, beverage and retail spaces throughout the airport.

Last year, Samuel Adam’s Columbia Brewhouse, Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’ were added to the food court, replacing some of the longtime establishments, making way for national brands, according to the release. Opening Feb. 5 is another dining option, The Friendly Caterer To-Go. This eatery will be one located in the main lobby pre-security.

For retail, a multi-phased effort started to renovate all three shops across the airport, the release stated. The new locations, Three Rivers Collection, Vista Trading (now open) and Explore Columbia will all be completed by winter 2024. In the main lobby, Avanti Market vending machines were installed — offering grab-n-go snacks and travel essentials to passengers and the general public.

The work on an airport master plan started in the summer of 2023 that will provide an introspective look at the airport’s current facilities, amenities, capacity and more to determine how it can better meet the needs of travelers for the next 20 years, the release stated.

“We say it often because it’s that important,” said Gula. “We appreciate each and every person that chooses to fly out of this airport and ask everyone to always check CAE first and fly local when you can.”