Columbia Regional Airport (COU) is preparing to unveil new flight options during a Tuesday morning news conference, signaling continued growth for the mid-Missouri airport.
Allegiant Air Listing Shows Two New Florida Routes
While COU officials have not yet confirmed the additions, Allegiant Air’s website indicates that the airline will launch two new nonstop routes to Florida:
- Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
According to Allegiant, both routes are scheduled to begin service in early June.
COU Reports Record Passenger Traffic
The announcement comes on the heels of a record-setting October for COU.
The airport recorded its busiest month ever for departing passengers, with 28,810 total travelers.
United Airlines’ new daily flights, combined with American Airlines’ routes to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago, helped drive the substantial increase.
Airport Manager Mike Parks said the strong numbers show that travelers are confidently choosing their local airport and now have improved access to destinations across the country.
COU is also preparing for a busy Thanksgiving travel period, expecting more than 5,000 passengers.
Local Leaders Hope New Routes Keep Travelers Close to Home
Airport officials hope that adding more destinations will make it easier for mid-Missouri residents to fly locally rather than driving to larger airports in St. Louis or Kansas City.
