In calendar year 2024, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) saw 1,362,374 passengers through the airport – edging out the record only previously achieved in 2019 when the airport saw 1,353,788 passengers.
“This is a significant accomplishment for the airport – inclusive of our dedicated staff, tenants, concessionaires and airline partners,” said Interim President & CEO and CFO for CAE, Gregg Hornsby. “We all play an instrumental role in the day-to-day operations of the airport and being able to reach this goal is noteworthy.”
Over the years, CAE has slowly but surely regained passenger traffic after the 2020 pandemic downturn, with more of the community opting to fly locally. This uptick in enplanements – passengers choosing to begin their air travel journey from CAE – grew rapidly between 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the total number of passengers that traveled through the airport was 1,234,487. The very next year – that number increased by nearly 11%.
Record Passenger Traffic in First Half of 2024
CAE was on track to exceed its 2019 passenger traffic record early in the year. Between January and June of 2024, CAE saw 646,013 passengers through the airport. In May alone, the airport saw 123,449 passengers – an increase of 19,182 passengers over May of 2023 and surpassing the previously highest month in the history of the airport set back in 2019.
“Anecdotal feedback tells us that added air service on both American Airlines (offering seasonal nonstop service to Miami) and Delta Air Lines (offering a second nonstop option to New York City), easy check in, convenient parking options, and upgraded food/beverage and retail concessions contributed to our traffic recovery”, said Hornsby.
2025 has the potential to bring even more passengers through the airport as a fourth airline carrier will be starting in May. Allegiant will begin service to both Orlando/Sandford and Fort Lauderdale airports with nonstop service on Thursday, May 15 and Thursday, May 22, respectively. Tickets for both flights are now on sale and can be booked directly through the airport’s website.