The city of Columbia paid more than $22,000 to American Airlines after the airline's first two weeks at the city's airport.
The city guaranteed revenue to the airline when it began service at the Columbia Regional Airport Feb. 14.
City officials say they were pleased with American's numbers during the first two weeks but the payout was necessary partly because the city was hit by two heavy snowstorms in February.
On Friday, the Columbia Regional Airport received notice that its control tower was among 149 around the country[PDF] that would close as a result of federal sequestration cuts. The closure is expected to take place at some point between April 7 and May 7.
Delta Airlines discontinued its service at Columbia Regional Airport today, while American Airlines will launch its daily non-stop flights to Chicago and Dallas tomorrow.