COLUMBUS, Ohio — An estimated $2 billion project is expected to add seven new gates at John Glenn Columbus International Airport when it's completed in 2029.
The earth is moving at John Glenn. Crews are laying the groundwork for the new airport terminal. When completed, it will handle a record number of flyers across the 33 counties it serves.
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“Our best year on record was 2019 when we had 8.6 million passengers here at the existing facility. The new facility will hold up to 13 million annual passengers,” airport Director of Communications Kristen Easterday said.
The new terminal is designed to meet the growing population in Central Ohio, which is expected to reach 3 million in the next 25 years. Today, Columbus is the fastest growing city in the state and the Midwest.
“We want to make sure that we are not building for the next five years, but to make sure this terminal is built for the next 20 years,” Easterday said.
The project will add seven new gates, bringing the total to 36. There will also be three concourses at one large entry point and a large security entrance to cut down on long lines at TSA. The existing terminal already serves 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports. More airlines could add flights as the facility expands.
Work is underway to remove the blue parking lot to make way for the new building, which will sit in the area where the cellphone lot is today. Flyers will have a new parking garage with a pedestrian bridge that connects the terminal and reduces walking. One hundred electric charging vehicle stations are also part of the plan. Once inside, passengers will have 50% more space to eat, drink, and relax as they wait at the boarding gate.
“It’s kind of going to give you a little more swagger than you’re used to,” Easterday said.
Funding for the project includes nearly $30 million in government funding. The airlines, tenants, parking and concessions will also contribute. Easterday says the cost burden won’t be on the passengers.
“There are no associated fees with the new terminal, period,” she said.