United Airlines to Indefinitely Suspend Flights out of Columbia Starting Next Year

United Airlines plans to indefinitely suspend flights out of Columbia Regional Airport effective Jan. 4, 2022, the City of Columbia announced Thursday morning.

The airline made the decision due to limited resources and staffing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Columbia is one of eight airports being impacted as the airline "works to stabilize the regional markets it serves," according to a news release.

United currently operates two daily flights to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.

The Columbia airport will remain in constant contact with United and other carriers to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on the travel industry, the city said.

" Columbia Regional Airport and the City of Columbia will continue to create an environment where American Airlines can thrive to ensure it is successful in the region," Columbia city manager John Glascock said in a statement. "COU provides the entire mid- Missouri region a way to connect with the rest of the world.

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"We will continue to work with our partners to ensure our customers have a positive and convenient travel experience they would not be able to replicate at other locations."

Improvements to the Columbia airport will continue as planned, Glascock said.

"Overall, Columbia Regional Airport continues to grow. The airport is currently undergoing exciting improvements, including a runway extension scheduled to be completed in December and the construction of a brand-new terminal scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2022," Glascock said. "These projects continue to be on schedule and will make the experience of using COU even better for passengers."

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