(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia Regional Airport (COU) had a remarkable year in 2025, with record-breaking passenger numbers, expanded airline service, and major infrastructure enhancements. The airport saw a 17 percent increase in passengers compared to the previous year, welcoming a total of 242,167 travelers.

According to Michael Parks, manager of Columbia Regional Airport, 2025 was a defining year for the airport. He credits the community's support for fueling this growth and is proud to offer more choices, stronger connectivity, and an improved travel experience for Mid-Missouri residents.

To meet the growing demand for air travel in the region, COU added five new nonstop routes to popular destinations such as Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Orlando, Charlotte, Chicago, and Denver. This resulted in an additional 164,000 seats being made available to travelers. The return of United Airlines and the addition of Allegiant Air also contributed to the expansion of COU's route network and improved connectivity for regional travelers. In fact, COU is expected to offer nearly 300,000 seats departing from the airport in 2026.

The increased air service at COU not only benefits travelers but also supports regional economic development and provides convenient access to destinations across the country and around the world. The return of United Airlines brought daily nonstop service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Denver International Airport (DEN), providing seamless connections to hundreds of global destinations. Allegiant Air's new nonstop routes to Orlando and Destin-Fort Walton Beach also offer affordable options for leisure travelers.

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In June 2026, COU will add another daily nonstop route on American Airlines to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). As American Airlines' second-largest hub, CLT offers connections to over 180 destinations worldwide with just one stop. This new route complements American Airlines' existing nonstop service from COU to Chicago and Dallas Fort Worth.

In addition to expanding its route network, COU has also been investing in improvements to enhance the traveler experience. The airport has completed the first phase of a parking lot construction project, converting gravel and grass areas into fully paved parking spaces. This will improve accessibility, safety, and reliability for travelers at no additional cost. The next phase of parking enhancements is expected to be completed before the summer travel season.

Furthermore, COU will be introducing new food options for travelers this summer, providing hot food choices on both the public and secure sides of the terminal facility. This will further enhance the passenger experience at COU.

For more information on Columbia Regional Airport and its services, visit FlyCOU.com. With its record-breaking year in 2025 and continued efforts to improve and expand, COU is proving to be a top choice for Mid-Missouri travelers.

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