After 87 years, Port Columbus International Airport is getting a name change to honor an Ohio legend.
Governor Kasich signed a bill earlier this week that will officially rename the airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The change will take effect in 90 days. This has been in the works since the end of May when it was introduced in the Statehouse. The Airport Authority Board then unanimously agreed to the change.
On Tuesday, the 94-year-old, along with his wife Annie and several Ohio officials, gathered at the airport to pay tribute to the former Senator and aviator.
Glenn said during a ceremony that he hopes changing the name will inspire young people to pursue new aviation advances into the future.
The board chairwoman of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority called Glenn "an example of what unwavering Midwestern determination and dogged hard work can lead to."
Glenn, of New Concord, was the first American to orbit the earth.
The airport has been called Port Columbus since it opened in 1929. The airport code will remain CMH.