Columbia City Council could approve second flight to Chicago

Columbia leaders could decide on another flight to Chicago.

During its meeting Monday night, the City Council could approve a new agreement with American Airlines.

The carrier has two daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and one daily to Chicago. The latest amendment will add a second trip to Chicago, possibly as early as April 1.

In exchange, officials will agree to waive two years of fees and rent, up to $70,000. The city guaranteed American Airlines $3 million when service started on Feb. 14.

If the airport fails to fill a certain number of seats on every plane, the city makes up the difference.

After bad weather in February, the city paid more that $20,000 to the airline, but has not owed anything for the last seven months.