Is it safe to fly out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport?

Absolutely, said airport spokesperson Lynn Douglas.

The covid-19 pandemic has certainly made things different for the airline industry. Many people are reluctant to fly or even pick someone up from the airport because of the usual large crowds of people.

Douglas told the Chronicle Delta, United and American Airlines all cancelled flights at the start of the pandemic and are now beginning to add back those flights. Delta went from 9 daily flights to Atlanta to 2. There are now 4 Atlanta flights, and more will be added soon.

Reduced flights have reduced human traffic at CAE significantly. But making the airport safe from covid has accelerated.

Cleanliness is CAE’s highest priority. Airport maintenance staff are cleaning the restrooms and public areas every 2 hours. That will go to hourly as more passengers return.

The airport is meeting and exceeding CDC and DHEC guidelines. There are new hand sanitizer stations across the airport, Plexiglas shields are in place at the counters, and facemasks are readily available.

“When they are ready, we are ready for them,” said Douglas.