Passenger traffic at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is on the rise after data from the first quarter of 2022 reflects a month over month increase since the start of the 2022 calendar year. January 2022 saw a dramatic 81.50% increase over January 2021, with February 2022 following suit with an even stronger 85.95% increase over passenger traffic this same time last year.
“Passenger traffic has been consistently strong this first quarter of 2022 and we anticipate this steady increase month over month will continue as we head into the busy spring and summer months,” said Executive Director of CAE, Mike Gula. “We are seeing both personal and the long-awaited business travel return in great volumes – which is welcomed. We are not back to pre-pandemic numbers due to the air travel halt COVID-19 brought to airports around the world, but we have far surpassed early projections.”
Passenger traffic from CAE for both Q1 2022 and 2021 is:
| Estimated Total Passenger Traffic with YOY/MOM Comparison | |
| January | |
| 2022 | 63,495 |
| 2021 | 37,007 |
| February | |
| 2022 | 69,231 |
| 2021 | 37,244 |
| March | |
| 2022 | 87,824 |
| 2021 | 56,401 |
Additionally, CAE has proactively begun work on several large-scale, in-terminal and campus wide, projects that are focused squarely on enhancing the passenger’s overall experience.
- The current in-line baggage system installation began last year and is slated to wrap up this November 2022. Once complete, the new system would remove the large scanners from the main lobby, allowing the airport entrance to feel spacious and open. The update allows checked bags to be processed at the ticket counter – eliminating the hassle and additional step for passengers to have to walk their bags over to be scanned by a TSA representative.
- CAE in partnership with the South Carolina Air National Guard will be the host location for several F-16 fighter jets beginning next month. This arrangement, slated to last six months, will allow McEntire Joint Air Force Base to resurface and update its current F-16 runway. CAE’s commercial operations will not be affected during this operation.
- 80 Years of Flight. This year marks 80 years of flight that has taken place on the airport campus – most notably the historic Doolittle Raid that occurred in April 1942, 80 years ago. CAE will be rolling out images, information, and hosting events to recognize this milestone year. Stay tuned as more information on this initiative will be released soon.
“In all aspects, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is moving forward with a focus on creating the best airport environment not only for our current passengers, but the many more we know we will see come through our doors,” said Gula. “We’re preparing now for the inevitable future growth we will see and look forward to remaining a vital and strong economic engine and resource for this entire region.”
Please note: The federal mask mandate – requiring individuals to wear a mask in and on the airport campus (passengers, individuals picking up passengers, etc.) has been extended until May 3, 2022. For more information about nonstop flights from CAE, please visit FlyCAE.com.