On Dec. 17, the most famous airplane in the U.S., and possibly the world, touched down in Lexington County at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

President Joe Biden flew down in Air Force One on his way to give a commencement speech at S.C. State University in Orangeburg, his first appearance in South Carolina since being elected to the nation’s highest office.

It was a big day for S.C. State, but also for the West Columbia airport where the iconic blue-and-white plane landed. The Chronicle reached out to Kim Crafton, the airport’s director of marketing and air service development, to ask about the impact that having the president land at the airport has on that day’s operations. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The Chronicle: How does Air Force One coming through impact the day’s schedule at the airport? How much do flights have to be moved around, if at all?

Kim Crafton: The entire airport campus — including the main terminal — shuts down when the President lands at our or any airport in the country. This “shutdown” is called a ramp freeze and restricts any vehicle, aircraft, personnel, etc. from moving around or being outside of the terminal/the grounds during the president movement (landing, takeoff, greeting guests, driving off or on the campus, etc.). Ramp freezes typically last between 20 and 60 minutes.

Flights are not changed when a president is visiting, however, there are minimal delays in the schedule. We do coordinate with the secret service as much as possible to reduce any negative impact on the traveling public.

How much does it impact people’s ability to get to the airport for their flights?

When a president is in town, as you know, their motorcade takes precedence on the streets. These motorcades could have a minor or major impact on public roadways. However, like in this case, I do believe media outlets were making mention of his coming into the community earlier that week, so many will plan for and expect delays.

How much strain does it put on airport security? How much responsibility do they take in securing the airport while Air Force One is there?

CAE’s Operations Department as well as its Department of Public Safety are involved from the beginning in planning a presidential visit. While we have enough staff to maintain normal operations of the airport, we do have an “all hands on deck” effort when a president is coming to CAE. During a presidential visit, any and all members of the secret service and the airport staff take security very seriously. It is a team effort to ensure the safety and security of the airport through a joint effort between a number of local, state and federal municipalities.

How much do you see Air Force One touching down at CAE as a marketing boost?

Air Force One is one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. To have this aircraft here at CAE is pretty significant — as this doesn’t happen every day. It is a big day in aviation to have Air Force One at your airport.