COLUMBUS, Ohio — Summer is getting closer, and many are finalizing their travel plans which could involve hopping on a plane.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport reports that passenger numbers are at an all-time high, with even more people expected this summer.
"More people are flying. I think post-COVID people are doing their revenge travel," said Kristen Easterday, the director of communications and public affairs.
Airlines like Delta, Spirit and Southwest continue adding flights on a monthly basis, and this summer nine more spots will join the lineup.
"In 2019 we had our busiest year ever, right before the pandemic started," Betsy Taylor, manager of Passenger Airline and Business Development, said. "Obviously everything changed with that, but when we look forward to 2024, we're expected to beat that number. We're expecting our busiest year ever at Columbus airports."
And while central Ohio is seeing its biggest boom ever, Transportation Security Administration officials say the travel industry is experiencing a similar trend. They continue hiring for all positions at various airports across the country.
"Travel really is picking up post 2020, it's not unique to Ohio. It's definitely happening across the country," said TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle.
Plans for a new terminal are already moving forward at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, which will also expand parking options. The new terminal will replace the current blue parking lot, which means the green and red parking lots will expand to meet parking demands.
The new $2 billion terminal will increase gate capacity from 29 to 36 gates, and allow for overnight aircraft parking. This could also speed up conversations about international travel options in Columbus.
"Columbus is growing and so are our passenger numbers and that leads to good conversations," said Taylor.
The new terminal is being funded through a number of different grants, and airline and passenger fees.