Columbia Metropolitan Airport Encourages Locals to Fly to Boost Routes and Fares

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is urging residents to consider flying from their local airport in order to attract new routes and lower fares.

According to airport spokesperson Kim Crafton, the airport has been actively promoting the idea of flying locally to increase their numbers and strengthen their case when negotiating with airlines for new routes.

A recent study conducted by the airport revealed that in 2024, 39% of potential travelers within a 50-mile radius chose to fly from Charlotte, while 11% chose to drive to Charleston. This resulted in a loss of 39% of potential passengers for Columbia airport. However, the airport was able to retain 41% of travelers within the 50-mile radius.

Crafton believes that even if they are able to recoup half of the passengers lost to other airports, it would significantly increase the number of flights and routes available at Columbia airport. She stated, “We may not be a hub, but we could get close to being double where we are now, and that’s what we’re preparing for, and that’s what we’re planning for.

Since the study was conducted, Columbia Metropolitan Airport has seen some improvement in their numbers. In 2025, the airport recorded a record-breaking 1. 3 million passengers, a 0. 7% increase from the previous year.

Currently, the airport offers daily non-stop flights to 10 American cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington, D. C. The airport also offers a seasonal route to Miami.

In January 2026, American Airlines announced an additional twice-daily service to Chicago, joining the existing service provided by United Airlines. Along with American and United, Delta and Allegiant also have flights from Columbia airport.

Unfortunately, in October 2025, budget carrier Spirit Airlines went bankrupt, resulting in the cancellation of flights to Newark, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. However, airport CEO Chris White remains optimistic and believes that the demand from these flights will attract another carrier to fill the void.

The airport is eyeing future routes to destinations such as Boston, Houston, Tampa, and Orlando. Las Vegas, Nashville, and Denver have also been marked as potential destinations.

White, who took over as airport CEO in December 2025, hopes to attract flights to the Midwest, West Coast, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America in the long run. However, airport officials have stated that it is unlikely for any new routes to be added in 2026.

In the past, the airport had been in talks with Breeze Airways to bring routes to Columbia, but the carrier ultimately backed out when they learned that Allegiant would also be flying to the airport. Breeze Airways went on to announce flights from both Charleston International Airport and Greenville-Spartanburg in February 2026.

Despite the setbacks, Columbia Metropolitan Airport continues