Columbia Metropolitan Airport

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport reflects one of the most unique natural elements of the Columbia area, the 22,000 acre Congaree Swamp National Monument, the last significant remaining bottom land hardwood forest in the United States.  This theme is evident at airport’s entry, baggage claim area, and in water gardens throughout the site.  A central walkway runs from the parking lot through the terminal building and into the passenger gates.  The spine through the parking lot is covered and lined with two double rows of cypress trees.  A black water stream meanders though the rows of cypress trees.  The large ponds are also the source for the airports fire suppression systems.