Allegiant Air to end flights from Columbia airport

Airline cites consistently low passenger numbers as reason for exit

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:40am

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A conceptual editorial illustration in the Art Deco Monumentalist style, featuring a sweeping, geometric composition of a towering airport terminal or runway with smooth, airbrushed gradients in shades of blue, grey, and silver, conveying the grand scale and romance of air travel without any literal depictions.The departure of Allegiant Air from Columbia's airport highlights the challenges small and mid-sized airports face in maintaining air service options for local travelers.Columbia Today

Allegiant Air will stop flying from Columbia Metropolitan Airport on May 4 after consistently low passenger numbers, cutting CAE's carriers to three. Airport officials say planes were often only half full and urge residents to use Columbia and other in-state airports to keep future service viable.

Why it matters

The loss of Allegiant's flights from Columbia will reduce travel options for residents, potentially leading to higher fares and less convenience for those looking to fly out of the local airport. Airport officials are hoping increased usage of CAE by local travelers can help attract and retain future airline service.

The details

Allegiant Air has cited consistently low passenger numbers as the reason for ending its flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport on May 4. The airline's departure will leave the airport with only three commercial carriers. Airport officials say Allegiant's planes were often only half full, and they are urging local residents to utilize Columbia and other in-state airports to help maintain and grow future air service options.

  • Allegiant Air will stop flying from Columbia Metropolitan Airport on May 4, 2026.

The players

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

The main commercial airport serving the Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area.

Allegiant Air

An American low-cost airline that has been operating flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

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What’s next

Airport officials are urging local residents to use Columbia Metropolitan Airport and other in-state airports more frequently to help demonstrate demand and attract additional airline service in the future.

The takeaway

The loss of Allegiant Air's flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport highlights the challenges small and mid-sized airports face in maintaining air service, underscoring the importance of local travelers supporting their regional airport to ensure it can retain and expand carrier options.