Columbia, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is planning to expand its flight routes, adding popular destinations like Las Vegas, Boston, Denver, and Nashville. With the addition of routes from Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, the airport now offers 11 nonstop destinations. Ongoing discussions with airlines aim to further enhance travel options, reflecting growing passenger demand. The airport recently gained recognition as the 16th best airport in the nation and is also working on enhancements to improve traveler comfort and accessibility.
Columbia
Columbia Metropolitan Airport officials are making plans to expand flight routes to include popular destinations such as Las Vegas, Boston, Denver, and Nashville. This announcement was made by interim CEO Gregg Hornsby during a meeting with the local business community on August 13, 2025. The airport has recently increased its number of nonstop destinations to 11 following the introduction of new services from Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines.
With the addition of routes to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando Sanford from Allegiant Air, and flights to Newark, Orlando International, and Fort Lauderdale from Spirit Airlines, now travelers can fly directly to key cities like New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. The seasonal route to Miami is also included in this lineup. These developments are in response to increased passenger demand, with reports indicating daily travel statistics to each of these destinations.
According to last year’s data, Boston was recorded as the fifth most popular destination from Columbia, while Las Vegas and Denver were ranked sixth and ninth, respectively. Ongoing discussions with airlines such as United Airlines aim to add a Denver route, which highlights the airport’s effort to adapt to travelers’ preferences and demands. Meanwhile, Nashville, ranked 12th among popular destinations, is also under consideration for new flight services. However, the proximity of Nashville may limit the potential for extensive additional flights.
Kim Crafton, who oversees marketing and new flight arrangements at Nashville International Airport, pointed out that the airport currently has limited space for new services. This may pose challenges for Columbia’s plans, as Nashville continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport also received recognition for its overall quality, ranking No. 16 on The Washington Post’s list of the nation’s best airports. This ranking was determined based on various factors such as gate capacity and ease of navigation within the terminal. In comparison, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport ranked No. 26.
In response to a record number of passengers totaling 1.3 million in 2024, a project to expand security lanes at Columbia Metropolitan Airport is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Upcoming enhancements will focus on accessibility and traveler comfort, including the introduction of a sensory room tailored for individuals with autism, improvements to restroom facilities, a service animal relief area, and overall accessibility upgrades.
Conclusion
The planned expansion of flight routes at Columbia Metropolitan Airport demonstrates a proactive response to growing traveler demand and highlights the airport’s ongoing commitment to enhancing passenger experience. As discussions with airlines continue, the community will be keeping an eye on developments that may soon provide more travel options for residents and visitors alike.
FAQ
What new flight routes are being considered at Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
Columbia Metropolitan Airport officials are looking to add flights to Las Vegas, Boston, Denver, and Nashville.
Which airlines have recently started services from Columbia?
New services have been welcomed from Allegiant Air to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando Sanford, as well as Spirit Airlines to Newark, Orlando International, and Fort Lauderdale.
How many nonstop destinations does Columbia Metropolitan Airport currently offer?
The airport now offers a total of 11 nonstop destinations, including major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
What factors are influencing the decision for new flights?
The interest in new destinations is based on reports of daily passenger travel to each location, with Boston, Las Vegas, and Denver ranking high among popular destinations from Columbia.
What enhancements are planned for Columbia Metropolitan Airport by the end of the year?
Enhancements will include expanded security lanes, a sensory room for autistic travelers, and improvements to accessibility and restroom facilities.
Key Features of Columbia Metropolitan Airport Expansion Plans
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Destinations | Las Vegas, Boston, Denver, Nashville |
| Recent Services Added | Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines |
| Current Nonstop Destinations | 11 cities including New York City and Chicago |
| Passenger Statistics | 1.3 million passengers in 2024 |
| Awards | No. 16 ranking on The Washington Post’s best airports list |
| Planned Enhancements | Expanded security lanes, sensory room, accessibility improvements |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Spirit Airlines Announces Nonstop Service from Columbia
Columbia’s Vision for the 22nd Century
Columbia Faces Icy Conditions After Recent Winter Storm
Columbia, South Carolina Faces Challenges in Reviving Passenger Rail Aspirations
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Southeastern South Carolina Weekend Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- WACH: Columbia SC Weather Warn Day
- Google Search: Columbia South Carolina Weather
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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