New U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility opening soon at CAE
July 15, 2026
From L to R: Frank Murray (Vice President of Planning & Engineering at CAE), Elizabeth Taylor (Chair of CAE Commission), Veronica Rubio (Acting Area Port Director CBP Charleston), Chris White (President & CEO of CAE) and Mark Weber (CAE Commissioner).
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) hosted a ribbon-cutting event marking the completion of the Midlands’ new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility on the airport campus.
The upgraded and expanded facility, also referred to as a Federal Inspection Station (FIS), will allow CBP officers to securely process inbound international air cargo, as well as efficiently manage ongoing business aviation traffic.
Airport leaders see the facility as a catalyst for future economic development and greater international recognition. It strengthens CAE’s role as an international gateway today while creating new opportunities for economic growth tomorrow.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is honored to dedicate this new General Aviation Facility at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, reflecting our shared commitment to secure and facilitate lawful trade and travel,” said Veronica Rubio, Acting Area Port Director for CBP Charleston. “This state-of-the-art facility strengthens border security and enhances our ability to serve the aviation community efficiently and safely.”
Sized to meet the growing demands and business opportunities of the region and state, the new facility is approximately 8,000 square feet and designed to current Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection standards. It provides additional space on the airport’s airfield to more efficiently handle customs clearance procedures for international passengers and cargo.
“We’ve had a customs presence since 1980, but this facility brings us up to the standard required to be a modern port of entry in 2026. It gives us the ability to welcome more international business and cargo operations than ever before,” said Frank Murray (Vice President of Planning & Engineering at CAE).
Between 2024 and May 2026, CBP at CAE processed approximately 505 international arrivals. With the strong international business presence in central South Carolina—from Japan, Germany and Great Britain, among others—that number is expected to increase in the coming years, and those companies will benefit from the new facility.
“With a focus on future growth for the airport and the region, this updated facility will support our ongoing efforts in more ways than one,” said Chris White, President and CEO of CAE. “A successful CBP operation could be a catalyst for future commercial air service, additional charter service and an increase in cargo operations.”
The new facility is expected to become fully operational during the first weeks of August.
For more information about Columbia Metropolitan Airport, its nonstop commercial destinations or current project updates, visit www.FlyCAE.com.
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America’s frontline—the nation’s largest law enforcement organization and the world’s first unified border management agency. More than 70,000 CBP employees protect the United States on land, in the air and at sea. The agency facilitates lawful travel and trade, strengthens national security, and supports the nation’s economic prosperity through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.
About Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) offers more than 30 daily flights with nonstop service to 10 major airports in nine cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City (LaGuardia), Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National), Miami and Newark.
A two-time Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, CAE continues to serve as a major economic driver for the Midlands. The airport welcomed more than 1.3 million passengers in 2025 and is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. CAE also serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS and is served by cargo carrier FedEx.
