Thunderstorms…possibly severe, especially early. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..
Thunderstorms…possibly severe, especially early. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated: June 18, 2026 @ 8:58 pm
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Aug. 12, 2025.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is adding a solar panel array to the top level of the airport’s parking garage.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is adding a solar panel array to the rooftop level of the airport’s parking garage.
Growth & Development Reporter
Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Aug. 12, 2025.
WEST COLUMBIA — Columbia Metropolitan Airport is making an addition to the airport’s main parking deck to improve the parking experience and reduce the airport’s power bill.
The airport has broken ground on a project to cover the rooftop level of the airport’s parking garage with an array of solar panels, airport leadership said in a June 17 press release.
Along with generating electricity to be stored for use during peak-use airport times and at night, the project will also cover an additional 700 parking spots. The airport will now offer 1,500 covered parking spots.
“The cost savings, the increased energy independence and the enhanced system reliability will allow CAE to see positive impacts with this project for many decades to come,” CAE President and CEO Chris White said in the press release.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is adding a solar panel array to the top level of the airport’s parking garage.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2027, according to the release. Construction is beginning at the western portion of the parking garage, and signage has been redirecting drivers from the area in recent weeks.
The solar panels are expected to cut the airport’s annual utility bills by 55 percent, Vice President of Engineering and Planning for CAE Frank Murray said in the release.
The parking garage is located directly in front of the main entrance to the airport.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport hosts over 30 flights daily, with routes to nine cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Newark, New Jersey.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is adding a solar panel array to the rooftop level of the airport’s parking garage.
The airport saw a record 1.3 million passengers last year, according to the press release. Airport leadership has been working to attract local fliers who frequently choose nearby rival airports such as Charlotte Douglas International.
Columbia has lost two airlines in the past year. Allegiant Air pulled out of the market in May, citing low traffic. Spirit Airlines ceased operations at the airport in September 2025 amid financial trouble at the company. The airline folded eight months later. American, United and Delta continue to fly from Columbia.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is located in Lexington County, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Columbia.
You can reach Caleb at cbozard@postandcourier.com. Support his work by subscribing at https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/subscribe/caleb-bozard/.
Growth & Development Reporter
Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
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