COU’s director says he hears what mid-Missouri wants regarding Atlanta flights

By Brian Hauswirth
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Columbia Regional Airport’s (COU) director says he knows that there is a big demand from mid-Missourians about nonstop flights to Atlanta. 

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Delta Airlines is based in Atlanta (2025 file photo courtesy of Delta’s Facebook page)

COU director Michael Parks tells 939 the Eagle that he hears what the community wants “and will work hard to achieve the needs of people in mid-Missouri.”

939 the Eagle’s Facebook page has received numerous requests from residents for Atlanta flights. Mr. Parks says he has a great relationship with Delta’s network planners and has regular conversations with them about COU.

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Allegiant’s first flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Orlando prepares to depart COU on June 3, 2026 (file photo courtesy of Allegiant’s Twitter page)

Mr. Parks also says he’s working toward improving the entire passenger experience to include a full-service kitchen, additional seating, resurfacing Airport drive, better signage and the overall experience that COU passengers have.

“We want the airport to represent a positive experience for those from mid-Missouri and for the people visiting mid-Missouri. I will continue conversations with our current carriers and those that we would like to see in the future about our needs moving forward,” Mr. Parks says.

COU saw record numbers in June and July, and Mr. Parks predicts the many new faces we’re seeing at COU will lead to more service in the future.