News Summary
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is set for a significant expansion this summer, welcoming new budget airlines Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines. Starting June 5, direct flights will be offered to Orlando and Newark, with added amenities such as private workspaces and a sensory room for travelers. Ongoing renovations and a hotel construction are designed to improve the overall passenger experience, while a $3 million grant enhances its sustainability initiatives. This expansion is anticipated to double airport capacity and accommodate over 2,700 travelers on peak days.
Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is preparing for a significant expansion of its services and amenities this summer as two new budget airlines, Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, are set to begin operations. This move comes in anticipation of an increase in passenger traffic, with projections estimating over 2,700 travelers per day on busy days, doubling the current capacity of the airport’s security lanes from two to four.
Starting June 5, CAE will introduce direct flights to Orlando International and Newark, while additional flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood will begin on June 6. In addition, Allegiant Air will initiate flights from Columbia to Orlando Sanford on May 15, followed by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood starting on May 22.
To enhance the travel experience, CAE is undergoing various renovations to improve amenities for its passengers. The new facilities will include private workspaces, a meditation room catering to travelers of various faiths, and a sensory room designed for passengers with autism. The sensory room will provide a quiet and calming environment to help alleviate the stress that some travelers may experience in bustling airport settings.
Further improvements entail the addition of a service animal relief area, lactation room, and a family restroom equipped with adult changing tables, ensuring that CAE remains family-friendly and accommodating to diverse passenger needs. The dining area will also see expansion, welcoming popular chains such as Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Samuel Adams Brewhouse.
The airport is introducing a three-phase curb-front reconfiguration project aimed at enhancing pick-up and drop-off accessibility. This effort will be complemented by the hiring of traffic officers dedicated to ensuring smooth traffic flow and assisting travelers during peak times, making travel more efficient and enjoyable.
Last year, CAE provided service to over 1.3 million passengers, surpassing its pre-pandemic record by nearly 1%. With the addition of new airlines and expanded services, the airport is poised to accommodate even greater numbers this summer.
Future plans for CAE include the construction of a hotel on its property to cater to early-morning and late-night flights. This hotel is expected to feature amenities such as a rooftop bar and restaurant. Furthermore, CAE officials are focused on further enhancing airport facilities based on customer feedback and are considering additional charging stations and conference spaces to better serve business travelers.
In addition to the expanded passenger services, CAE has secured a $3 million grant to create a cover over the parking deck that will include a mini solar panel grid as part of the airport’s sustainability initiative. This project underscores the airport’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
The surrounding communities of Cayce and Springdale are also getting involved in enhancing the area’s appeal with a beautification project along Airport Boulevard. This initiative aims to attract local businesses and improve the overall aesthetic of the area, aligning with CAE’s efforts to create a modern and welcoming transportation hub.
As CAE gears up for the anticipated increase in summer travel, the combination of new airlines, improved amenities, and ongoing renovations is set to provide an enhanced travel experience for passengers, while also positioning the airport as a pivotal player in regional aviation and economic growth.
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Additional Resources
- Columbia Business Report
- Wikipedia: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- WIS-TV
- Google Search: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Columbia Metropolitan Airport expansion
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Cola Daily
- Google News: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
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