Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) hosted a ribbon cutting event today marking the completion of the Midland’s new U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) facility on the airport campus.
The upgraded and expanded facility, also referred to as a Federal Inspection Station (FIS), will allow CBP officers to securely process inbound international air cargo, as well as efficiently manage ongoing business aviation traffic.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is honored to dedicate this new General Aviation Facility at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, reflecting our shared commitment to secure and facilitate lawful trade and travel,” said Veronica Rubio, Acting Area Port Director CBP Charleston. “This state-of-the-art facility strengthens border security and enhances our ability to serve the aviation community efficiently and safely.”
Sized to meet the growing demands and business opportunities of the region and state, the new facility, roughly 8,000 square feet and designed to current Department of Homeland Security and Customs & Border Protection standards, will have more space on the airport runway to easily and quickly handle clearance procedures for international passengers and cargo.
Between 2024 and May of 2026, CBP at CAE managed roughly 505 international arrivals. With the strong international business presence in central South Carolina – from Japan, Germany and Great Britain, to name a few – that number is expected to increase in the years to come and those companies will benefit from this new facility.
“With a focus on future growth for the airport and the region, this updated facility will support our ongoing efforts in more ways than one,” said Chris White, President & CEO of CAE. “A successful CBP operation could be a catalyst for future commercial air service, additional charter service and an increase in cargo operations.”
The new facility is set to be fully operational in the first weeks of August.