at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

As of January 14, 2021:

COVID-19 Testing Site Hosted at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

In partnership with SCDHEC, Rapid Reliable Testing (RRT) and Extraordinary Headhunters, LLC., Columbia Metropolitan Airport is now a host to on-site COVID-19 testing, taking place in the cell phone waiting lot seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The test offered is a Real Time (RT) PCR saliva test, as approved by SCDHEC – but the option to have a nasal swab is available. For saliva test, individuals are asked not to eat/drink, chew gum, or smoke/vape 30 minutes prior to taking the test.

Test results will be sent to individuals between 24 – 48 hours after the test is administered. (NOTE: If individuals are currently waiting on test results, this might be due in part for the need to re-run a test because the first test results yielded an inconclusive result.)

Testing at this site is free to the general public, and can be administered on children as young as 2-years-old.

For questions or concerns, contact Rapid Reliable Testing’s customer service line at 646-755-9951.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a GBAC e STAR™ Facility

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is pleased to announce that it has earned the accreditation of being a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ facility. This recognition commits CAE to maintaining the gold standard for facilities. Travel with ease knowing that your local airport is doing everything and more to keep safe while flying.

Travel Notice

Passengers flying into or out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport are not required to have a COVID-19 test. Face masks are mandatory in all airports, per federal mandate. This federal mandate is in place until March 18, 2022 or until further notice. The mandate applies for inside the terminal (for those flying and those who are picking up passengers) and while onboard any aircraft that service CAE.

Travelers flying into or out of CAE do not need a COVID-19 test. Passengers flying internationally do, however, need to check the destination they are flying into to ensure they are meeting that countries COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Many international destinations will require a negative COVID-19 test before arrival and all travelers flying into the U.S. from abroad are will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test no more than 3 days before their flight departs.

Statement from Columbia Metropolitan Airport:

With the continued outbreak of COVID-19, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will closely monitor updates issued from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to remain as up to date and informed as possible for our travelers.

Public health experts recommend the following best practices to increase the likelihood of preventing illness:

Washing hands frequently,
Avoiding contact with people who are sick,
Staying home when sick and
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces

At CAE, we too are taking extra precautions to include:

Increased sanitizing in the public seating areas
Deeper and more frequent cleanings in the restrooms
Hand sanitizing stations are available Pre- and Post-Security Checkpoint
Offering free masks to all of our travelers

It is also suggested that you take these extra pre-cautions when traveling:

Avoid crowded locations
Opt for outdoor activities
Mask up
Get tested
More expert suggestions here

Should you have any concerns regarding flying or the status of your flight, we encourage you to check with your airline directly. For more information on the virus and precautionary measures in place please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website. Should you have any questions, please send us a message.

Airport/Tenant Closures, Temporary Hours, Reduced Service Updates:

Republic Parking, the parking service company in place at CAE, will discontinue valet parking services until further notice.

Carolina Concessions, CAE’s food service provider, will temporarily close The Sky Café, Carolina Subs, The BBQ Pit and Riverbanks Bar & Grille will remain open with a modified and limited menu. Additionally, signage has been put in place encouraging travelers to practice social distancing while dining.

Paradies, CAE’s retail shop provider, will have adjusted hours at all three locations. Columbia Travelmart, the bookstore, will now be open from 4:30 am – 7:30 pm or when the last flight boards. News & Gifts (in the main lobby) will be open from 4:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Capitol Marketplace (in the Delta gates) will be closed until further notice.

Airline Updates and Information:

We encourage those individuals who are traveling to stay updated on the latest news and developments from their airline of choice. Direct links to the airlines that service Columbia Metropolitan Airport are below.