CAE midyear passengers higher than projected

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is reporting higher than projected numbers at the midway point in the year. 

“The rate at which passengers have returned to air travel this year has been more than we initially projected in late 2020,” CAE Executive Director Mike Gula said in a news release. “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. The 37,007 passengers in January had grown to 83,289 by the close of June, the news release said. The total passenger traffic count through June was 347,157. That places CAE 12.13% above where it was this time last year, the release said. 

In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement declaring that fully vaccinated Americans could travel within the United State without testing. Since this announcement, CAE has seen a significant spike in individuals opting to fly to their desired destinations, the release said. With the surge in passenger traffic, most of the CAE paused routes returned 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,” Kim Jamieson, director of marketing and air service development, said in the release. “In December of 2020 we successfully added our newest low-cost carrier, Silver Airways, that currently has service to Tampa and Orlando, Fla., with service to Fort Lauderdale returning in late August.” 

Masks are still required in the airport for travelers and for anyone dropping off or picking up passengers. This federal mandate is in place until Sept. 13 or until further notice.