Columbia, South Carolina, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Columbia Metropolitan Airport resumed its normal flight operations after a brief disruption due to a small aircraft that became disabled on the main runway. The incident, which lasted over two hours, affected numerous arrivals and departures, with some flights being diverted. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the airport successfully cleared the runway and resumed operations swiftly, illustrating the importance of effective airport management in such scenarios.
Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) resumed normal flight operations on August 12, 2025, following a brief disruption caused by a small aircraft that became disabled on the main runway. The incident occurred around 1:33 p.m. and temporarily halted all air traffic for over two hours, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The blockage on the runway affected a total of 8 arrivals and 9 departures. Travelers faced delays as departing flights awaited incoming aircraft that were unable to land during the incident. At least four flights scheduled to land at CAE were diverted to other airports due to the disruption. Airport operations were able to resume at approximately 3:55 p.m. after the aircraft was successfully removed from the runway by 3:45 p.m.
The disabled aircraft remained on the runway for several hours, contributing to the operational challenges. Compounding the situation was the concurrent closure of the airport’s secondary runway, 5-23, which was undergoing construction at the time. The primary runway was cleared after a thorough inspection, paving the way for the resumption of air traffic.
Although the cause of the aircraft’s failure has not yet been revealed, authorities were quick to manage the situation, ensuring that safety protocols were followed throughout the incident. Passengers were advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines or on the airport’s official website to stay updated on any further changes or delays.
This incident highlights the operational challenges airports can face, especially when multiple runways are not available for use. The rapid response and management by airport officials were critical in minimizing the impact on travelers and maintaining safety standards.
Background Context
Columbia Metropolitan Airport serves as the primary airport for the midlands region of South Carolina, providing a crucial link for both commercial and private air travel. The airport has faced various challenges due to its layout and runway availability, especially during maintenance or emergency incidents. Previous disruptions have prompted airport authorities to revise operational protocols to ensure passenger safety and minimize inconvenience.
Key Takeaways
- Incident occurred on August 12, 2025, at 1:33 p.m.
- No injuries reported; all involved were safe.
- Main runway was blocked for more than two hours affecting 8 arrivals and 9 departures.
- Four flights were diverted to other airports during the incident.
- The secondary runway was closed for construction, limiting operational flexibility.
FAQs
What caused the disruption at Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
A small aircraft became disabled on the main runway, which caused a halt to all operations. The specific cause of the aircraft’s failure has not yet been disclosed.
How long did the disruption last?
The disruption lasted for over two hours, from approximately 1:33 p.m. until operations resumed around 3:55 p.m.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
What should passengers do if their flights were affected?
Passengers were advised to check their flight status with their airlines or visit the airport’s website for updated information.
Summary of Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 12, 2025 |
| Time of Incident | 1:33 p.m. |
| Duration of Disruption | Over 2 hours |
| Aircraft Involved | Small aircraft (specific details not disclosed) |
| No. of Flights Affected | 8 arrivals and 9 departures |
| Diverted Flights | At least 4 |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- WIS News
- Google Search: Columbia Metropolitan Airport news
- The State
- Google Scholar: Columbia Metropolitan Airport flights
- WACH News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Columbia Metropolitan Airport flight disruption
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