News Summary
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is expanding its facilities, doubling security lanes from two to four to accommodate a surge in passenger traffic. With over 1.3 million passengers in 2022, the airport is introducing new flights from Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines. Construction is underway for improved accessibility features, including a sensory room and private workspaces. A digital tool will enhance online accessibility, and new safety officers will assist during the transition. These developments reflect the airport’s commitment to providing a better experience for all travelers.
Columbia is witnessing a significant expansion at its Metropolitan Airport as it prepares to accommodate an increasing number of passengers and enhance accessibility options. The airport plans to double the number of security lanes from two to four, a move designed to serve a growing passenger base during this busy summer travel season.
In 2022, Columbia Metropolitan Airport recorded over 1.3 million passengers, narrowly exceeding its pre-pandemic record by less than 1 percent. To further support this surge, new flights will be introduced by two budget airlines. Allegiant Air will start flying to Orlando Sanford on May 15 and to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood on May 22. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines will launch its service on June 5 to Orlando International and Newark, followed by flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood starting on June 6.
The expansion project is already underway, with visible construction near the airport’s security checkpoint as of late April. This area will feature several new amenities aimed at improving the passenger experience. Travelers will have access to private workspaces, a meditation room for individuals of various faiths, and a sensory room designed for travelers with conditions such as autism. The sensory room will provide a peaceful environment for those who may become overwhelmed in busy airport settings.
The need for increased accessibility at Columbia Metropolitan Airport has become a priority for officials. Plans include a service animal relief area, a lactation room, and a family restroom fitted with adult changing tables. Currently, the airport has a pet relief area located beyond the security checkpoint, along with a family restroom equipped without a changing table situated before the security area.
Construction is also taking place for an upcoming lounge positioned opposite this new amenities area. The overarching goal of the expansion is to foster a more inclusive atmosphere for disabled travelers, with features inspired by those found at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
To further assist passengers, the airport will introduce a digital tool called Recite Me on its website. This tool aims to enhance accessibility by offering barrier-free access to information and content available for passengers online.
Additionally, the reconfiguration of facilities at Columbia Metropolitan Airport intends to streamline the loading and pick-up process to reduce congestion, especially during peak travel times anticipated this summer. To facilitate these smoother operations, airport officials have also hired four new airport safety officers who will assist travelers during the transitional phase triggered by the reconfiguration.
This expansion and the introduction of new services reflect Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience, ensuring that it remains a hub for growing passenger traffic while catering to the needs of all its users.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Columbia Airport Upgrades Help Disabled Travelers
- ABC Columbia: CAE Expands Accessibility with New Online Experience
- Columbia Business Report: Columbia Metropolitan Airport Begins Reconfiguration Project
- WISTV: Columbia Airport Changes Traffic Flows as Curb Reconfiguration Project Begins
- Aviation A2Z: Spirit Airlines’ 6 New Routes from Chattanooga and Columbia
- Wikipedia: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Google Search: Columbia Metropolitan Airport expansion
- Google Scholar: Columbia Metropolitan Airport accessibility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Google News: Columbia Metropolitan Airport news
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