Airports Near Columbia, South Carolina

South Carolina state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Columbia is both South Carolina's capital and its largest city. The city itself has a population of approximately 125,000 people, while nearly 750,000 live in the surrounding area. Columbia is a top destination for active retirees, due in part to its relatively low cost of living and its temperate climate.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the major airport serving Columbia and the surrounding community. It's located in the suburb of West Columbia, approximately 5 miles southwest of the city's business district. Seven airlines serve the airport, including Delta, United, USAirways and Continental. The airport also is the regional hub for United Parcel Service, which set up shop at the airport in 1996. More than 1 million passengers travel through the airport yearly, and the airport employs approximately 1,500 workers and staff.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way
West Columbia, SC 29170
803-822-5000
columbiaairport.com/

Columbia Owens Downtown Airport

Columbia Owens Downtown Airport is a small airport located 2 miles south of the city's business district. The airport, named for former mayor Lawrence B. Owens, originally was Columbia's main airport. During the 1950s, most of Columbia's air traffic transferred to the larger Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Today, Owens Downtown Airport serves the private aviation community, providing space for personal jets, planes and helicopters.

Columbia Owens Downtown Airport
1400 Jim Hamilton Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29205
803-771-7915
columbiasouthcarolina.com/owens.html

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport provides a larger alternative to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Located 75 miles northwest of Columbia, many Columbians choose to frequent this airport for their travel needs. It generally provides short, direct flights on American Eagle, Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express and USAirways Express. The airport provides less service than Columbia Metropolitan, and it generally is more expensive--the airport was ranked fifth by Forbes magazine on its 2009 list of the nation's biggest rip-off airports.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
2000 GSP Drive
Greer, SC 29651
864-848-6272
gspairport.com/

Resources

Article Written By Arn Goldman

Arn Goldman is a recent liberal arts grad interested in all things culture, both high and low. He writes about entertainment, tech and sports. Goldman received his B.A. in English and philosophy in 2009 and has written for eHow, Trails Travel and Answerbag.

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