Columbia Regional Airport - Control Tower - Facts

There is much speculation concerning the effects of federal budget sequestration on the Air Traffic Control Tower at Columbia Regional Airport. Some media reports indicate the Control Tower at Columbia Regional Airport will close on April 7

These are the facts:

·  The City of Columbia, as of March 7, 2013, has received no official notice from the FAA concerning closure of the tower.

·  The City of Columbia has received information from the FAA which states the FAA is evaluating which towers across the country may potentially close. The FAA indicated that they plan to have the finalized list completed by March 18.

·  The City of Columbia is aware the City of Jefferson received official notice of potential closure of the control tower at Jefferson City Memorial Airport with a potential closure date of April 7.

·  Safe, reliable, and convenient air transportation are the three primary goals of Columbia Regional Airport.  Safety is always the first priority.

·  American Airlines representatives have stated to the City of Columbia that should the tower at Columbia Regional Airport close in the future, they would continue to provide service. American Airlines stated they provide air service to airports without air traffic control towers.

·  The City of Columbia is concerned about the potential closure of the Air Traffic Control tower at Columbia Regional Airport. We remain constantly vigilant of changing information at the federal level.

·  The City of Columbia has been and will continue to be in contact with our elected federal representatives asking for their assistance to keep the tower funded at Columbia Regional Airport.

·  The City of Columbia will continue to update our customers on the status of any changes at Columbia Regional Airport.  

We hope this information assists our customers in understanding the facts, and not speculation, concering the current status of the control tower at Columbia Regional Airport.