CAE plans expansion projects as passenger load increases

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — As part of South Carolina Aviation Week, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is reminding you to fly local and keep those dollars in state.

Wednesaday, the airport also held an open house where leaders discussed ongoing and upcoming projects at CAE.

“This airport is so convenient. You can literally park and get through the gate in between 6 to 10 minutes,” said Mike Gula, CAE executive director.

This year, Columbia Metropolitan Airport expects to see 1.4 million passengers, surpassing even pre-pandemic numbers.

To accommodate the current passengers and make room for growth, CAE has started a project expanding the current checkpoint area.

“That will take us from two lanes to four lanes. TSA equipment is getting larger so this has to happen for the future growth of the airport,” Gula said. “It will make it much more efficient for customers traveling through the airport. We’re excited about it. This is going to be a great project.”

In addition to checkpoint expansion, there are more projects scheduled for the future.

“This summer we will begin work on a US Customs and Border Protection federal inspection station,” said Frank Murray, CAE facilities and planning. “This will be located at a renovated building next to our general aviation ramp by our air traffic control tower.”

CAE hopes to also add an outdoor lounge, sensory room, service animal area and more. However, for more routes and cheaper prices, airport leaders say passengers must use the Columbia airport instead of driving up to Charlotte.

“We have great air service here already,” Gula said. “Can we improve upon it? Yes, but we need the community’s support to do that.”

“If the prices aren’t cheaper flying out of Columbia, they are so competitive that it doesn’t justify driving 90 minutes to Charlotte, parking in a remote lot and dealing with a major hub airport,” said Gary Siegfried, South Carolina Aeronautics executive director. 

The South Carolina Aeronautics director says that while the Palmetto State’s six airports are doing well, they need more state funding to compete with those in surrounding states. 

“In recent years we have been successful in getting a little bit of money from our state legislators and we’re grateful for all of those,” Siegfried said. “However, we are still behind what’s going on with our competition which is our neighboring states.”