Passenger facilities:
CAE’s terminal is not large by any standard, it’s surprisingly small. However it doesn’t feel anywhere near as small as it is. This is due in large part to having large windows all around and a high ceiling. Also the main gates are on the second level with a balcony that overlooks the first level where gates 11 and 12 are located for regional traffic. The center skylight really helps give CAE an airy and open feel.
Power outlets: Because of it’s size airlines do not have any of their own proprietary charging stations. CAE does provide an ‘Internet Workstation’ that has six booths which are perfect for sitting down and getting some work done on your laptop.
WIFI: Don’t let the Ethernet jacks in the above picture frighten you, CAE does have free WIFI that is not encrypted. The SSID is the IATA identifier “CAE”. Like with most small airports, due to the demographic traveling and rather few passengers with wireless-enabled devices the bandwidth is more than adequate and there aren’t any issues with disconnecting.
VIP Lounges: CAE does not have any airline lounges.
Restaurants: Due to the small size of CAE you’re quite limited, though the Riverbanks Bar & Grill has decent service and decent food for an airport. The price is also quite reasonable for an airport with most entrees being around the $10 mark.
Plane spotting: CAE does get some surprising traffic, FEDEX operates A310s out in and out of there, for the time being Delta operates DC-9-50s there which are a classic, there’s a good amount of general aviation traffic as well. However the terminal is located far away from the secondary runway so spotting is not the best.
Overall impression: CAE is a small, but beautiful facility. It is well kept, modern, clean, and does a lot with a small space.
Airlines:
Delta: ATL, DTW
US Airways Express
United Express
American Eagle: DFW
Concourses: 1
Elevation: 236ft
Runways: 2
Rwy 11/29:
8,601 x 150ft
ALSF2 standard 2,400ft high intensity approach lighting system (11), MALSR: 1,400 foot medium intensity approach lighting system (29)
ILS approach
Rwy 5/23
8,001 x 150ft
MALSR 1,400ft medium intensity approach lighting system (05 only)
ILS approach (05 only)
Average aircraft operations: 163/day.
Airport website: http://www.columbiaairport.com/