Columbia Metropolitan Airport

CAE KCAE Columbia, South Carolina Elevation: 236 ft

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the primary commercial gateway to South Carolina's capital city, located 5 miles southwest of downtown Columbia. CAE offers two runways with the longest at 8,602 feet, accommodating most heavy jets and many VIP-configured airliners. The airport serves the South Carolina state government, the University of South Carolina (Gamecocks football), Fort Jackson, and the growing Columbia tech corridor. Dedicated FBO facilities provide private terminals. Estimated charter rates to Columbia via CAE: light jets from $4,000 per hour, mid-size jets from $5,500 per hour, heavy jets from $8,500 per hour.

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Transworld Jets Insider Tip

Columbia is a major SEC football destination, with South Carolina Gamecocks home games at Williams-Brice Stadium drawing significant private aviation traffic. The state capital building, which still bears Civil War cannonball marks, draws political and government visitors. The Congaree National Park (the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast) is 20 miles southeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can heavy jets land at Columbia?

Yes. Columbia Metropolitan Airport's 8,602-foot runway accommodates most heavy jets and many VIP-configured airliners including the Boeing BBJ and Airbus ACJ.

When is Columbia busiest?

USC Gamecocks home football games (especially SEC rivals), the South Carolina Legislative Session, and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (held in Charleston but driving Columbia overflow) are the busiest periods.

Why fly private to the South Carolina state government?

Private aviation offers the fastest, most flexible access to the South Carolina state government, bypassing commercial airline schedules and connections. Our brokers can arrange same-day charter flights to match your exact itinerary.