News Summary
Spirit Airlines has launched new nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, connecting the region to Newark, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. This initiative aims to bolster local travel options and enhance the airport’s regional presence, especially as local officials seek to compete with Charlotte International Airport. With over 1.3 million passengers recorded last year, the airport is also expanding its infrastructure to accommodate growing traffic. The new flights are expected to lower airfare costs and contribute positively to the local economy while fostering community development.
Columbia – Spirit Airlines has successfully launched new nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) beginning June 5, 2025. The airline will now connect Columbia directly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), in addition to adding new service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This new service represents the only nonstop flight options available to these destinations from CAE.
The introduction of these flights is seen as a crucial development for airport officials who aim to enhance the airport’s regional presence and retain local customers who might otherwise choose to travel to nearby Charlotte International Airport.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport has experienced a resurgence, surpassing a total of 1.3 million passengers last year, a record that exceeds the pre-pandemic figure set in 2019. Concurrently, Allegiant Air has also commenced its own flights to Orlando from CAE, further improving travel options for local passengers.
Infrastructure and Growth Initiatives
In anticipation of increased passenger traffic, the airport is in the process of expanding its security lanes from two to four. Additionally, airport officials are actively seeking developers to construct a new hotel within walking distance of the terminal. Such developments aim to not only accommodate the influx of travelers but also to enhance the overall airport experience.
The new competition from Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air is expected to create more competitive airfare prices, consequently benefitting consumers by lowering travel costs. Furthermore, these new flights are projected to drive additional tourists and investments into surrounding communities, including West Columbia and Cayce.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, CAE faces challenges in competing with Charlotte International Airport, which currently attracts approximately 40% of potential local customers. Airport authorities have expressed an ambition to reduce this customer loss to just 4% moving forward, which would significantly improve the airport’s viability.
Local officials believe that the growth of the airport will not only bolster air travel but also enhance retail and dining opportunities in the community as more travelers arrive. This influx is expected to catalyze job creation, contributing positively to the local economy.
Community Contributions
To commemorate the launch of the new service, the Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation has donated $10,000 to Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services. This demonstrates the airline’s commitment to giving back to the community as it expands its operations in the area. Additionally, Spirit Airlines is promoting its Free Spirit loyalty program, offering bonus points for travelers who book flights on these new routes.
Strategic Alignment
The addition of these new routes is part of Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s broader strategy to diversify its service offerings and strengthen its appeal to a range of customer segments. By enhancing connectivity and providing multiple options for affordable travel, the airport aims to establish itself as a key travel hub in the region.
With local city officials optimistic about the future, expectations are high that as the airport continues to grow, it will not only attract further business investments but will also create a vibrant ecosystem for locals and travelers alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Metropolitan Airport Expands to Serve Growing Traffic
New Nonstop Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Supreme Court Pauses Rehiring of 16,000 Federal Workers
Columbia Introduces Innovative Camera-Based Ticketing System
South Carolina and Canada Strengthen Economic Ties
Spirit Airlines Announces Nonstop Service from Columbia
Columbia Conducts Emergency Training Exercise at Airport
New Nomination for South Carolina Military Leadership
Gilbert, SC Remembers Beloved Resident Sarah Frances Harmon Shealy
Columbia’s Vision for the 22nd Century
Additional Resources
- MSN: Spirit Airlines Begins Service at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Greenville Business Magazine: Spirit Airlines Lands in South Carolina
- PR Newswire: Spirit Airlines Launches Service at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Travel and Tour World: Spirit Airlines Expands Service in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
