Dropping of columns from a table with data availability, where the columns in the table are each associated with a column number, includes: executing a statement to drop a given column in the table and deferring an application of the statement until a reorganization of a current data set including the table. When the reorganization of the current data set is performed, the reorganization includes: updating column numbers for columns in each row of the table using a mapping data structure to remove the given column; loading the plurality of data rows with the updated column numbers into a shadow data set; applying to the shadow data set any changes to the table that are concurrent with the reorganization; updating a schema definition of the table with the updated column numbers; and switching the current data set to the shadow data set.