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Columbia Regional Airport Regional Airport illustrationRegional Airport
Airports
COUmedium airport

Columbia Regional Airport

Columbia, United States
Explore Columbia city guide Navigate to this airport
4
Routes out
2
Destinations
KCOU
ICAO
889 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Mid-Missouri's primary commercial gateway serving Columbia.

Opened
1928
Location
Columbia, United States
Columbia Regional Airport (COU/KCOU) is the primary commercial service airport serving Columbia, Missouri, and the surrounding mid-Missouri region. It is owned and operated by the City of Columbia and sits approximately five miles southeast of downtown. The airport offers a modest but growing number of scheduled commercial flights, primarily connecting Columbia to major hub airports. It also supports general aviation, charter, and corporate flight operations serving the University of Missouri and regional businesses. Federal investments and local initiatives have periodically expanded service and improved facilities, helping Columbia retain commercial air service despite competition from nearby Kansas City and St. Louis airports.
Terminals
The airport features a single passenger terminal building with a small number of gates serving commercial and general aviation travelers.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services connecting the airport to downtown Columbia, approximately five miles away.
Airlines here
American Eagle (operated by SkyWest) has historically provided service connecting Columbia to American Airlines hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare.
Notable facts
  • ›Located roughly five miles southeast of downtown Columbia, Missouri.
  • ›Serves the University of Missouri community, a major demand driver for air service.
  • ›Competes with Kansas City International and St. Louis Lambert airports, both within two hours by car.
  • ›Has received Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidies at various points to maintain commercial connectivity.
  • ›Elevation is approximately 889 feet above mean sea level.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Routes

COU → ORDAA · ER4 ERD
COU → DFWAA · ER4 ERD
COU → DFWUS · ER4 ERD
COU → ORDUS · ER4 ERD
Hotels near COU

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City & Place Guide

Where Southern history, college energy, and nature converge

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and home to the University of South Carolina, giving the city a lively blend of government, academia, and youthful culture. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, it offers surprising outdoor recreation alongside a rich Civil War and antebellum history.

The Five Points and Main Street districts pulse with restaurants, bars, and independent shops, while a growing arts scene and nationally recognized zoo add further appeal. Columbia is often overlooked by travelers, making it a rewarding destination for those who seek authenticity over tourist crowds.

  • •South Carolina State House — stunning 1903 dome with bronze stars marking Civil War cannon strikes
  • •Riverbanks Zoo & Garden — consistently ranked among the best zoos in the Southeast
  • •Columbia Museum of Art — impressive European and American collection in a compact downtown venue
  • •Historic Columbia House Museums — a network of preserved antebellum homes with engaging guided tours
  • •Congaree National Park — old-growth floodplain forest with towering champion trees just 20 miles south
  • •Five Points District — walkable neighborhood hub for nightlife, dining, and local shopping

Getting around: Columbia lacks a commuter rail system; the primary public option is the COMET bus network, which covers major corridors but runs infrequently. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and the most convenient option for visitors. Taxis exist but are limited. Downtown and Five Points are walkable, but a car is recommended for reaching Congaree National Park and suburban attractions.

Best time: Spring (March–May) offers mild temperatures and blooming gardens, making it the most pleasant season to visit.

Local food: Try a traditional South Carolina barbecue plate with mustard-based sauce, shrimp and grits, and fresh boiled peanuts from roadside stands throughout the Midlands region.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via COU? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for United States from official government sources.

Columbia Regional Airport
Encyclopaedia

Columbia Regional Airport is a commercial passenger airport serving Columbia, Missouri. Located about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Columbia in Boone County, Missouri, it is the only commercial airport in Mid-Missouri and also serves the state capital of Jefferson City. Commercial passenger service is provided by American Airlines subsidiary American Eagle and United Airlines via its regional airline contractor SkyWest branded as United Express. The airport opened in 1968, replacing the Columbia Municipal Airport off of Interstate 70. It is frequently used for charter flights by college athletic teams visiting the University of Missouri and for MU team flights.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification