COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 2024 Thunder Over Columbus Air Show and STEM Expo are quickly approaching this September 21-22, and Team 14 has shifted into high gear to give our guests a world-class air show.
This year, Thunder Over Columbus traffic can enter the installation using the north and south gates. The north gate traffic can use Barton Ferry Road from Highway 45. The south gate traffic can use Highway 373 to enter the installation.
Additionally, each day the traffic pattern will change to improve entry and exit for our guests. From 9 a.m., to noon on Sept. 21-22, traffic flow from the north and south gates will be one way coming into the parking areas. The flow will return to two-way traffic during the event, and then will be back to one-way outbound traffic at the end of the show day.
“I took command of the 14FTW in July and to see the detailed level of planning by the Air Show Committee and supporting staff is truly impressive,” said Col. James Blech, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. “I am confident that this is going to be the event you don’t want to miss. The Thunder Over Columbus 2024 Air Show is free and open to the public, come out and let my team show you our southern hospitality.”
The 2022 Wings Over Columbus Air Show and STEM Expo broke previous attendance records with upwards of 60,000 guests in attendance immediately challenging the established traffic plan for the event. Directing and screening 25,000 or more vehicles per day into the confines of the installation and into the parking zones requires considerable planning, manpower and coordination. Bringing innovative solutions to improve the flow of traffic has been a priority focus for the 2024 Thunder Over Columbus Air Show and STEM Expo.
This year the Air Show Committee has prioritized a focus on traffic management and overflow parking to accommodate the anticipated number of vehicles coming onto the installation.
“Everything works perfectly when you’re practicing, but just like flying, anything can happen and you have to be ready to react to the situation with confidence and precision,” said Lt. Col. Boston “Rowdy” Little, Thunder Over Columbus Air Show director.
Improved communication is another focal point of the new plan. Processes have been put into place to ensure a consistent channel of communication for traffic personnel.
“We’ll have personnel throughout the traffic routes and the parking areas that will have direct communication with the Traffic Marshal,” said Nate Avara, 14th Security Forces Squadron.
This will reduce confusion and ease traffic congestion while enhancing the overall experience for our air show guests and base personnel. Avara also emphasized the importance of having a clearly detailed parking plan available to the community to reduce wait times while maintaining a high standard of safety and security.
“We’ve invested a lot of time and energy into learning from the challenges of the last Air Show. The team has been working on putting together a safe and exciting event for the community and we’re looking forward to opening the gates,” said Col. Blech.
For Thunder Over Columbus Air Show updates visit www.thunderovercolumbus.com