History of John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Timeline

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is located 6 miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also manages Rickenbacker International Airport and Bolton Field, CMH's code refers to its original name, "Columbus Municipal Hangar."

July 8, 1929: Columbus Municipal Hangar Opens

On July 8, 1929, the Columbus Municipal Hangar opened on a site selected by Charles Lindbergh, serving as the eastern air terminus for the New York to Los Angeles transcontinental route.

1942: Naval Air Station Columbus established

In 1942, during World War II, the U.S. Navy took over most of the airport facility and established Naval Air Station Columbus.

1946: Naval Air Station Columbus closed

In 1946, Naval Air Station Columbus was closed, and the facility was relinquished back to civilian authorities after the end of World War II.

February 1951: Runway Information

In February 1951, the Coast & Geodetic Survey instrument-approach chart detailed runway lengths: 006/186 at 3550 ft, 052/232 at 4400 ft, 096/276 at 4500 ft, and 127/307 at 5030 ft.

April 1957: Airline departures in April 1957

In April 1957, the Official Airline Guide reported 72 airline departures each weekday, including 41 TWA, 16 American, 6 Eastern, 6 Lake Central, and 3 Piedmont flights.

September 21, 1958: New terminal building opens

On September 21, 1958, a new $12 million terminal building opened at the airport.

March 19, 1964: Jerrie Mock's solo flight takes off

On March 19, 1964, Jerrie Mock departed from Port Columbus airport in her Cessna 180 Skywagon named Spirit of Columbus, beginning her journey to become the first woman to fly around the world.

April 1964: Jet airline flights begin

In April 1964, jet airline flights commenced with American 707s at the airport.

1979: $70 million renovation initiated

In 1979, a $70 million renovation of the airport facilities was initiated for the airport's 50th anniversary.

1981: Renovation completed

In 1981, the $70 million renovation was completed, upgrading the airport's capacity to 250 flights per day with Concourse B and enclosed jetways.

1989: South concourse dedicated

In 1989, a $15.5 million, seven-gate south concourse (now Concourse A) was dedicated.

1993: America West Airlines opens hub

In 1993, Columbus became a hub for America West Airlines.

1996: North concourse completed

In 1996, the north concourse, now Concourse C, was completed.

1998: $25 million terminal renovation

In 1998, a $25 million terminal renovation was completed, including additional retail shops, new flight information displays, enhanced lighting, upgraded flooring, and a new food court.

1999: New NetJets hangars and office spaces

In 1999, new hangars and office spaces were completed for NetJets.

2000: America West takes over TWA gate and club

In 2000, America West took over a gate and the exclusive passenger club previously held by TWA due to TWA's financial difficulties. The site later became Eddie George's 27 grille.

2000: $92 million parking garage completed

In 2000, a $92 million parking garage, including an underground terminal entrance, new rental car facilities, dedicated ground transportation area, improved eight-lane terminal access on two levels, and a new atrium and entrances, was completed.

2001: Executive Jet Aviation opens operational headquarters

In 2001, Executive Jet Aviation (now known as NetJets), opened a 200,000-square-foot operational headquarters.

2002: North concourse expanded

In 2002, the north concourse (Concourse C) was expanded.

2003: America West ceases hub operations

In 2003, America West Airlines ceased hub operations in concourse A.

2003: America West Airlines closes hub

In 2003, America West Airlines closed its hub in Columbus due to financial losses and a decrease in air travel after 9/11.

April 25, 2004: New control tower opens

On April 25, 2004, the new 195-foot control tower directed its first aircraft.

November 2006: Skybus Airlines leases facilities

In November 2006, Skybus Airlines began leasing 100,000 square feet of office and hangar facilities at the Columbus International AirCenter adjacent to the airport.

May 22, 2007: Skybus Airlines begins operations

On May 22, 2007, Skybus Airlines, touting itself as the cheapest airline in the United States, started operations from Columbus, offering at least ten seats for $10 each on every flight.

April 4, 2008: Skybus Airlines ceases operations

On April 4, 2008, Skybus Airlines ceased operations.

2008: Skybus ceases hub operations

In 2008, Skybus Airlines shut down concourse A due to bankruptcy.

October 21, 2010: New arrivals/departures board installed

On October 21, 2010, a new arrivals/departures board replaced the old one in the main entrance area.

2012: Terminal Modernization Program begins

In late 2012, Columbus began its Terminal Modernization Program, including new terrazzo flooring, ceilings, restrooms, TSA security lanes, and LED lighting, with construction starting on Concourse A.

2013: Runway improvement completed

In 2013, the airport completed a $140 million runway improvement, moving the south runway farther from the north runway to enable simultaneous takeoffs and landings.

May 24, 2016: Airport board approves name change

On May 24, 2016, the airport's board unanimously approved the name change to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

May 25, 2016: Ohio General Assembly passes bill to rename the airport

On May 25, 2016, the Ohio General Assembly passed a bill to rename the airport in honor of John Glenn.

June 14, 2016: Governor signs bill into law

On June 14, 2016, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed the bill into law, officially renaming the airport, with the change taking effect 90 days later.

June 28, 2016: Renaming celebration and signage unveiling

On June 28, 2016, a celebration was held to commemorate the renaming of the airport, and new signage bearing the new name was unveiled.

2016: Airport renamed in honor of John Glenn

In 2016, Port Columbus International Airport was renamed to John Glenn Columbus International Airport to honor astronaut and senator John Glenn.

2016: Terminal Modernization Program completed

In early 2016, the Terminal Modernization Program was completed throughout the terminal.

2019: Construction begins on new car rental facility

In 2019, construction began on a new $140 million car rental facility at the airport.

July 2021: Breeze Airways selects Columbus as launch destination

In July 2021, startup Breeze Airways selected Columbus as one of its launch destinations with five routes.

2021: Service Increase

In 2021, many canceled or reduced routes due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw increased service as restrictions lifted and air travel demand grew.

2021: New car rental facility opens

In late 2021, the new car rental facility opened, utilizing electric buses for passenger transport.

May 2023: Breeze Airways adds additional routes

In May 2023, Breeze Airways added additional routes from the airport.

2023: Record travel summer

In spring 2023, the airport prepared for a record travel summer, matching traffic levels from before the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024: Ground broken on new terminal building

In late 2024, ground was broken on a new terminal building slated for a 2029 completion, and will replace the current terminal once it opens.

2025: Major facility enhancements to be constructed through 2025

On April 25, 2004 a new control tower directed its first aircraft. This began several major facility enhancements to be constructed through 2025.

2025: New terminal construction set to begin

Plans have been in development for many years for a new terminal, set to begin construction in 2025 to replace the current, aging building.

2029: Completion of new terminal building