Columbia airport reopens after closing last week

COLUMBIA (AP) — Columbia Regional Airport is back in business after closing last week over safety concerns.

Flights began arriving and departing from the airport Sunday, although some scheduled flights from Chicago were delayed by weather.

The airport closed Tuesday after airlines canceled flights because of a “crown” at the intersection of two runways that felt like hitting a bump during takeoff and landing.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported contractors milled off the crown and put down new pavement.

It was not clear Monday who would pay the estimated $500,000 bill for the repair work. Interim City Manager John Glascock last week said the Federal Aviation Administration would cover the costs. However, regional spokeswoman Elizabeth Cory told the Tribune that federal funding isn’t certain and would pay all the costs.