The number of passengers that traveled through Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in 2025 edged out the most recent record set just one year prior in 2024. CAE welcomed 1,371,977 travelers over the course of 2025, breaking 2024’s record of 1,362,374 passengers.
“CAE is a vital transportation hub and resource for the Midlands community,” said President and CEO, Chris White. “The entire team understands that traveling – may it be for work, pleasure, or a little of both – should be as efficient and convenient as possible. In all areas we have influence, we aim for our valued passengers to have that experience when they’re in the airport.”
Record Passenger Traffic in First Half of 2025 | Busiest Month of 2025
CAE was on track to exceed its 2024 passenger traffic record early in the year. Between January and June of 2025, CAE saw 673,719 passengers through the airport – an increase of 2,111 over the same timeframe in 2024.
October 2025 saw 129,176 travelers – the single busiest month of the year. October 2024 was also the busiest month of that year, seeing 126,263 passengers through the terminal.
CAE’s Air Service in 2025
Additional air service options proved to be a catalyst for an increase in passenger traffic – with many opting to take advantage of the new service.
In 2025, CAE added two new airline carriers, Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, expanding its roster to include nonstop service to Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO) and Newark, New Jersey (EWR). These new routes contributed to overall passenger growth during the year with load factors consistently over 93% on many routes. (Industry benchmark for a successful flight is 80%).
Spirit later exited the market due to the airline filing for bankruptcy.
“We were thrilled to welcome both Allegiant and Spirit to the market as securing a low-cost carrier has been a focus and top priority for some time,” said Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development. “Even though Spirit’s departure was unfortunate, their time in the market proved that there is significant demand for low-cost options here at CAE and this community will support another low-cost carrier when the time is right. We’re thankful for the service we have on Allegiant and continue to encourage the community to use it when flying to Florida.”