Columbia Metropolitan Airport has finished a major upgrade to its international processing capabilities, officials announced Wednesday, a change that aims to ease handling of inbound international passengers and cargo and support business growth in the Midlands.
The project, which spanned six years and totaled more than $3 million, expands the airport’s customs processing space from 1,800 square feet to 8,000 square feet and increases daily processing capacity to up to 30 people per day. The facility—referred to by airport staff as the Federal Inspection Station—will be fully operational in the first weeks of August, airport leaders said.
What changes for travelers and local businesses
Although Columbia Metropolitan Airport does not currently host scheduled international passenger flights, the airport has handled inbound international arrivals and cargo for decades. Airport data cited by officials show roughly 505 international arrivals between 2024 and May 2026, reflecting rising demand tied to regional economic growth.
- More space and secure processing areas for Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Capacity to process larger aircraft and more international arrivals.
- Improved ability to facilitate international trade and business travel for Midlands companies.
Frank Murray, CAE, vice president of planning and engineering for the airport, said the expansion was needed because of increased industry activity in the region.
“We’ve been doing this for a long time, but over the course of that time, a lot of industry has arrived here in the Midlands of South Carolina, and those businesses bring with them an international traffic demand,”
Chris White, the airport’s CEO and president, said the enlarged facility will help open doors for greater international business and travel in the Midlands and across South Carolina.
Veronica Rubio, acting area port director for CBP, explained the prior space constrained the agency’s ability to process passengers safely and securely. She said the new building provides the facilities needed to handle lawful trade and travel more effectively.
Numbers at a glance
| Item | Previous | New |
|---|---|---|
| Customs processing space | 1,800 sq ft | 8,000 sq ft |
| Processing capacity | Not specified | Up to 30 people/day |
| Project timeline | Six years | |
| Project cost | More than $3 million | |
For Columbia-area residents, the upgrade could mean more direct access to international services through the local airport for business travel and private international arrivals. For local companies that import or receive international visitors, the new CBP facility may reduce logistical barriers and processing delays.
Airport officials framed the expansion as part of a broader trend: population and economic growth in the Midlands is generating greater air traffic and international demand. With the Federal Inspection Station coming online in August, officials said the airport is positioning itself to meet that demand and to support future opportunities for the region.
