New Era for John Glenn Columbus Airport: $2 Billion Terminal Project Officially Underway
John Glenn Columbus International Airport has officially begun construction on a $2 billion terminal, a project described by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine as “Ohio’s front porch.” This milestone, years in the making, marks a transformative moment for the airport and the region.
Breaking Ground on the Future
The groundbreaking ceremony, held under the airport’s blue parking lot, brought together 300 attendees, including political leaders and local officials, with the energetic notes of Top Gun‘s “Danger Zone” setting the tone. Elizabeth Kessler, chair of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority board, celebrated the occasion, saying, “This new terminal will make flying to and from Columbus a first-class experience.”
The new terminal will be constructed on the blue lot, located west of the current terminal along International Gateway, the airport’s main entrance road. With construction starting, the blue parking lot has officially closed.
A Modern Terminal for a Growing City
Replacing the existing 66-year-old terminal, the new facility will feature 36 gates, a significant upgrade from the current 29. Designed to accommodate up to 13 million passengers annually within 20 years, the terminal aims to meet increasing travel demands. The airport is set to break its passenger record in 2024, surpassing the 8.6 million travelers seen in 2019.
The new terminal will also support larger aircraft, including Boeing’s 747-8, enhancing Columbus’s capability to attract international carriers and accommodate a diverse fleet.
Southwest Airlines senior vice president and Ohio native Adam Decaire highlighted the streamlined design: “It provides a single concourse and security checkpoint, offering travelers a seamless experience.”
The current terminal’s three concourses, developed through expansions over the years, will be replaced with a centralized concourse and security area, along with unified concessions for passenger convenience.
Funding the Vision
The $1.89 billion project includes $1.6 billion for the terminal, $110 million for design and staffing, and $179 million for a new garage.
The majority of the funding will come from airport-generated revenue, including airline fees, parking, ground transportation services, and terminal business operations. Federal grants totaling $140 million and $100 million from other sources will supplement the budget. Additionally, the airport authority has $240 million in reserves and plans to finance the remaining costs through bond sales repaid over time.
Timeline and Construction Partners
The new terminal is slated for completion by 2029, coinciding with the airport’s 100th anniversary. Preparatory steps, including the construction of a 5,000-car garage connected to a rental car facility, are already underway.
Design work is led by San Francisco-based Gensler and Columbus-based Moody Nolan, both experienced in aviation architecture. Construction will be managed by Hensel Phelps, a Colorado-based company, with support from Columbus-based Elford.
However, the project has not been without controversy. The Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council has sought a Community Benefits Agreement, prompting protests from union members during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Community and Economic Impact
The new terminal is being heralded as a significant development for central Ohio, with local leaders emphasizing its economic and cultural value. Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce called the project “a gateway to dreams and possibilities,” highlighting its potential to support regional growth and enhance the travel experience for millions.
As the city and state look toward the future, the terminal represents not just an upgrade in infrastructure but also an investment in the community and its workforce. With an eye on 2029, the new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport promises to redefine air travel in Ohio and beyond.
