Masks no longer required inside Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Listen to this article

Passengers are no longer required to wear masks at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, though those who prefer to are encouraged to do so.

CAE issued a response today to the Transportation Security Administration’s decision to no longer enforce a COVID-19 mask mandate on planes and other public transportation after a federal judge in Florida struck down the requirement on Monday.

“Because this directive also extends to airports, as of right now, Columbia Metropolitan Airport will no longer require masks while in the airport,” the statement read. “CAE encourages individuals who would still prefer to wear a mask in the airport to do so.”

The statement from CAE also reminded passengers that each airline carrier is setting in-flight mask requirements and urged travelers to check with individual carriers before arriving at the airport.

The federal judge ruled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had overstepped its authority in issuing the mandate last January, though the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks on public transportation to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.