The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is reporting higher than projected numbers at the midway point in the 2021 calendar year.
“The rate at which passengers have returned to air travel this year has been more than we initially projected in late 2020,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We’re pleased to see the consistent increase in passenger traffic through the airport and thank the community for their continued support in utilizing CAE.”
So far this year, CAE has seen more passengers each month than the previous month. Total passenger counts for each month in 2021 are:
- January – 37,007
- February – 37,244
- March – 56,401
- April – 60,203
- May – 73, 013
- June – 83,289
- Note: July numbers are not yet available
The total passenger traffic for CAE YTD is 347,157. (This number includes January – June 2021).
To compare, in June 2020, 28,925 total passengers traveled through CAE, while June 2021 had 83,289. This is a monthly increase of 187.95% in passenger traffic and places CAE 12.13% above where it was this time last year.
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement declaring that fully vaccinated Americans could travel within the United State without pre or post testing. Since this announcement, CAE has seen a significant spike in individuals opting to fly to their desired destinations.
With the surge in passenger traffic, CAE has also seen most of their paused routes return to their regular schedules and frequencies.
“With the exception of our nonstop service to LGA on both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, all of our routes have resumed,” said Kim Jamieson, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. “In December of 2020 we successfully added our newest Low Cost Carrier, Silver Airways that currently has service to Tampa and Orlando, Florida with service to Fort Lauderdale returning in late August.” As a reminder, masks are still required in the airport – for those traveling and for those individuals dropping off or picking up passengers. This federal mandate is in place until September 13, 2021 or until further notice.