Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Columbia, US 🇺🇸 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
KCAE
IATA
CAE
Elevation
236 ft
Region
US-SC
Local Time
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GPS Code: KCAE
Local Code: CAE
Location: 33.938801° N, -81.119499° E
Continent: North America
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) generally receives positive traveler reviews, with many passengers highlighting its efficiency and pleasant atmosphere. Travelers frequently express satisfaction with the airport's cleanliness, ease of navigation, and quick security processes. It is often praised as a convenient and stress-free alternative to larger, more crowded airports.
What Travelers Love
- Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: CAE is consistently described as clean, modern, and well-maintained throughout the terminal, including restrooms.
- Efficient Security and Short Wait Times: Travelers frequently report quick and efficient security checks with minimal wait times, often as little as 5-20 minutes, which is a significant advantage for a regional airport. TSA security checkpoints are open from 3:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many reviews commend the polite, friendly, and helpful staff throughout the airport, contributing to a positive experience.
- Ease of Navigation: Due to its smaller size, CAE is considered easy to navigate with clear signage, making it simple for travelers to get around.
- Parking Convenience: The airport offers various parking options, including a garage, surface lot, and valet. There are also red and green lights in the parking garage to indicate available spots, and a new pre-booking system is available for discounts and reservations. Offsite parking with shuttle services is also available.
- New Amenities: Recent upgrades include a secure exit, business center, interfaith/meditation room, sensory room, lactation room, pet relief area, and family restroom with an adult changing table.
- Local Offerings: Travelers appreciate local touches like the Red Eye Express coffee kiosk, featuring local vendors, and the Art in the Airport program showcasing regional artists. A Free Little Library is also available for travelers to exchange books.
Common Complaints
- Limited Dining Options: A recurring complaint is the limited selection of food and restaurant options, though some note that available options like Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and Samuel Adams Brewhouse are convenient.
- Inconsistent Professionalism/Security Issues: While generally praised, a few reviews mention isolated incidents of unprofessional behavior from staff or frustrating security experiences, including intrusive pat-downs.
- Ground Transportation after Midnight: One review noted a lack of ground transportation options after midnight.
- Baggage Claim Traffic (Undergoing Improvement): The loading zone and drive-up lanes at baggage claim have been a "pain point" for those picking up passengers, but a three-phase curb-front reconfiguration project is underway to improve this, with completion anticipated by early 2025.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport stands out as a highly-rated regional airport, offering a generally smooth and pleasant travel experience with quick security, friendly staff, and new amenities. While dining options are somewhat limited, the overall efficiency and ease of use make it a preferred choice for many travelers in the region.
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Airport Routes
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) offers 260 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include Piedmont, PSA Airlines, Delta Air Lines and others. Popular destinations from Columbia include Hartsfield-Jackson Intl, Charlotte/Douglas Intl, Myrtle Beach Intl, Sarasota/Bradenton Intl and Piedmont Triad Intl.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) 6
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) 6
- Myrtle Beach Intl (MYR) 5
- Sarasota/Bradenton Intl (SRQ) 4
- Piedmont Triad Intl (GSO) 4
- Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) 4
- Tampa Intl (TPA) 4
- Blue Grass (LEX) 3
- Opa-locka Executive (OPF) 3
- Greenville Downtown (KGMU) 3
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) 3
- Reagan National (DCA) 3
Newly Discovered
- Philadelphia Intl (PHL) new
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) new
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) new
- Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) new
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) new
- Myrtle Beach Intl (MYR) new
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) new
- LaGuardia (LGA) new
- Reagan National (DCA) new
- Frederick W Smith Intl (MEM) new
- Muhammad Ali Intl (SDF) new
- Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Columbia Metropolitan AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Piedmont
PDT
/ PT
|
2 | 383 | 2 | Jan 30, 2026 |
PSA Airlines
JIA
/ OH
|
3 | 274 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
2 | 265 | 2 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Endeavor Air
EDV
/ 9E
|
3 | 218 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Republic
RPA
/ YX
|
3 | 137 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
United Parcel Service
UPS
/ 5X
|
17 | 107 | 17 | Jan 28, 2026 |
|
CommuteAir
UCA
/ C5
|
1 | 93 | 1 | Jan 2, 2026 |
SkyWest
SKW
/ OO
|
3 | 81 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
GoJet
GJS
/ G7
|
3 | 72 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
05/23 |
8001 ft | 150 ft | PEM | Active Lighted |
11/29 |
8601 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/D | APP/DEP | 124.15 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 120.15 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 119.75 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| RDO | ANDERSON RDO | 122.65 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 119.5 MHz |
| UNIC | UNICOM | 122.95 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are readily available 24/7 and are located on the lower level outside of the baggage claim area. Services are metered, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate at the airport with designated pick-up zones.
Rental Cars
Rental car counters are conveniently located inside the terminal in the baggage claim area on the lower level. On-site agencies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Public Transportation
Public transit is provided by The COMET (Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority). Route 91 serves the airport, offering an affordable connection to downtown Columbia and the main transit center. The bus stop is located on the lower level roadway.
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