CAE wins SCAA’s Commercial Airport Project of the Year
February 18, 2026
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) was recently awarded the South Carolina Aviation Association’s (SCAA) Commercial Airport Project of the Year award for its checkpoint modernization project. Completed in November of 2025, the multi-year project expanded the airport’s security area to increase the number of screening lanes from two lanes to four.
“This project was made possible with support from the Federal Aviation Administration, SCAA, the state of South Carolina and various grants the airport has received,” said Vice President of Planning and Engineering for CAE, Frank Murray. “With the increase in passenger traffic we are experiencing on an annual basis, we are making accommodations now for the growth we will continue to see. Last year we saw a record number of travelers through the airport and these needed updates allow us to continue providing a seamless and efficient experience for our valued passengers.”
Within the scope of the project, the airport was able to convert several areas near the checkpoint into usable spaces for passengers. These spaces include a sensory room, business center, meditation/interfaith room and an indoor/outdoor lounge. These amenities and resources are available to all passengers, do not require payment and are not affiliated with an airline.
About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Now providing 33+ daily flights with nonstop service to 11 major airports in 10 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National), Orlando (SFB), Fort Lauderdale, and Newark. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a two-time Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Proudly welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2025, CAE is served by American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, and serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS and served by cargo carrier, FedEx.
