COU’s manager looks forward to long-term partnership with the three airlines serving Columbia Regional Airport

By Brian Hauswirth
united

Columbia Regional Airport’s (COU) manager confirms they have regular conversations with their current airline partners and potential new partners to ensure that mid-Missouri has the routes to meet our region’s needs.

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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)

COU manager Michael Parks tells 939 the Eagle that the three airlines serving COU, American, United and Allegiant, are doing a great job and that he looks forward to a long-term partnership with them as they evaluate COU’s growth and needs heading into the future.

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UM System president Dr. Mun Choi, left, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and COU manager Michael Parks at May 2025’s announcement about United Airlines and Denver (May 22, 2025 file photo courtesy of city of Columbia’s Facebook page)

Las Vegas, Gulf Shores, Fort Myers Florida, Atlanta and San Antonio are some of the destinations that 939 the Eagle listeners on our Facebook page say they want to see from Columbia Regional. Mr. Parks says COU always appreciates feedback from travelers and that they use this feedback as they discuss mid-Missouri’s future growth needs.

What’s next: The three airlines currently serving Columbia Regional Airport are American, United and Allegiant. Allegiant will add nonstop service from COU to Clearwater/St. Petersburg in November. Columbia Regional Airport is the nation’s fastest-growing airport, according to aviation firm Mead and Hunt.