Growing pains for Columbia Regional Airport
Airport Advisory Board members are discussing the future of Columbia Regional Airport. Wednesday’s meeting comes after Monday’s announcement that American Airlines is upgrading to larger planes, capable of carrying more passengers.
The number of people hopping a flight out of Columbia has increased dramatically; one study shows more than 900 passengers a day. Now, with American Airlines upgrading to larger aircraft, the airport is at capacity. “If it’s completely sold-out planes, it’s going to be a little tight in those secure areas that we have for TSA,” said John Glascock, Columbia public works director.
The new American Airline planes will start flying out of Columbia to Chicago and Dallas early next year. The aircraft will add about 15 passengers per flight, which puts stress on an already small airport. “We’ve got about 130 people possible — the load out of the morning. So, our capacity that we’ve increased through the modular homes we’ve added to the airport is now pretty much maxed out,” said Glascock.
The advisory board is considering a temporary fix until a permanent solution such as a new terminal can be funded and built. Airport officials said any plan they consider will be designed to keep the airport viable well into the future. “Continued growth of the service, continued destinations, new destinations — east and west. And so that’s where we’re trying to head,” said Glascock.
Airport officials said they’re also hoping to add a third destination within a couple of years. They said nothing is official, but a couple of possibilities could be Charlotte or Denver.
