The arrival of Mesaba Airlines, owned by Northwest, attracted local officials, politicians, business owners and future passengers.

Columbia locals like Al Vogt paused to take note of the new services.

"I look forward to the possibility of going to see my daughter in Atlanta and if they have the schedules that will allow that, I'll probably be using the service in the future," said Vogt.

A concern for some residents is that quite a large number of air carriers have taken off and never returned.

"In the latter years of my experience here I was having some problems getting connections in St. Louis and back to Columbia. There was some down time at the airport which I wasn't too appreciatative of but I'm hoping this will be better," said Vogt.

Mesaba airlines provides three flights daily to Memphis, with global connections.