Columbus Ohio's Cmh Airport: A Comprehensive Guide

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (IATA: CMH, ICAO: KCMH, FAA LID: CMH) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The airport is named after astronaut and four-term U.S. senator John Glenn. CMH is the largest passenger terminal in central Ohio and the second busiest airport in the state after Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The airport offers 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports via nine airlines daily. CMH has three concourses and serves airlines such as Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport's history

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (IATA: CMH, ICAO: KCMH, FAA LID: CMH) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The airport is primarily a passenger airport, providing 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports via nine airlines daily.

The airport first opened on July 8, 1929, as the Columbus Municipal Hangar, on a site selected by Charles Lindbergh. It served as the eastern air terminus of the Transcontinental Air Transport air-rail New York-to-Los Angeles transcontinental route. Passengers would travel overnight on the Pennsylvania Railroad's Airway Limited from New York to Columbus, then by air from Columbus to Waynoka, Oklahoma, and so on by rail and air to Los Angeles. The original terminal building is now derelict, but the hangars remain in use.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy took over most of the facility, establishing Naval Air Station Columbus in 1942. The Navy relinquished the facility back to civilian authorities in 1946. During the war, the government also established a government-owned aviation factory on the airport grounds, known as Air Force Factory 85, which produced aircraft including the F-100 Super Sabre and the T-28 Trojan.

A new $12 million terminal building opened on September 21, 1958, and jet airline flights began in April 1964. The first major airline to fly into Columbus was TWA, which kept a presence at the airport for over 70 years. In 1993, Columbus became a hub for America West Airlines, but the company closed the hub in 2003 due to financial losses and the post-9/11 decline in air travel.

The airport underwent a $70 million renovation from 1979 to 1981, which added Concourse B and fully enclosed jetways at every gate. Another concourse (now Concourse A) was added in 1989, followed by Concourse C in 1996. Numerous expansion and renovation projects were completed between 1998 and 2000, including a $25 million terminal renovation and the construction of new hangars and office spaces.

In 2012, the airport began its Terminal Modernization Program, which included new flooring, ceilings, restrooms, and LED lighting. In 2013, the airport completed a $140 million runway improvement that enabled simultaneous takeoffs and landings on the north and south runways, increasing air traffic volume.

In 2016, the airport was renamed from Port Columbus International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport in honour of astronaut and four-term U.S. senator John Glenn.

CMH's terminal and concourses

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is the main gateway to Columbus and is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. The airport has one terminal with three concourses: Concourse A, B, and C, comprising a total of 29 usable gates. This layout simplifies navigation, as all facilities are centrally located within the terminal.

Concourse A has 7 gates, from A1 to A6, and is used primarily by Southwest Airlines. Passengers can access it from the southeast of the ticketing level, and it offers amenities such as restrooms, ATMs, and nursing rooms.

Concourse B has 16 gates, from B17 to B36, and is used mainly by American Airlines, Air Canada, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. It can be accessed from the centre of the ticketing level and provides similar amenities to Concourse A, including restrooms, ATMs, and nursing rooms.

Concourse C has 11 gates, from C46 to C56. It is used by Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Viva. Passengers can access it from the southwest area of the ticketing level and find the same amenities as the other concourses.

Each concourse has its own TSA security checkpoint, and they are not connected airside (post-security). Non-precleared international flights arrive through Concourse C and are processed through the airport's customs facility.

The airport has clear signage, moving walkways, and strategically placed information desks to assist with navigation. It also offers a variety of dining, shopping, and service options throughout the terminal and concourses.

Airport dining and shopping

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (IATA: CMH) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The airport was renamed in 2016 from Port Columbus International Airport to honour astronaut and four-term U.S. senator John Glenn.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport offers a variety of dining options for travellers, including:

• Eddie George's Grille 27: A unique dining experience with views of the airfield and a sports-lounge atmosphere.
• American Craft Tavern: A modern, industrial bar serving bold cuisine and local craft drafts.
• BrewDog: A popular craft beer brewer offering a range of beers and delicious eats, including hearty bowls and handheld favourites.
• Land-Grant Brewing Co.: The first airport taproom of this Columbus brewer, featuring crafted drafts and dishes like flatbreads and sandwiches.
• Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Counter: Renowned chef Wolfgang Puck's airport restaurant offering signature cuisine in a fast-casual setting.
• Auntie Anne's Pretzels: Offering a variety of soft pretzels, nuggets, stix, and dogs in different flavours.
• Charleys Philly Steaks: A Columbus favourite since 1986, serving grilled steaks, chicken subs, and breakfast until 10:30 am.
• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Specialty vending machines serving grab-and-go ice cream cups and other frozen treats.

In addition to dining options, the airport also provides a range of shopping and convenience options:

• Broad and High Essentials: A store offering travel essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and a wide selection of local products, with a self-checkout option.
• Columbus Marketplace: A convenient option for magazines, newspapers, snacks, and souvenirs, also with a self-checkout option.
• CMH Supply Co.: A shop offering a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, snacks, and souvenirs to keep travellers entertained during their flight.
• Scioto Mercantile: A store featuring travel essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and local specialities, with a self-checkout option.
• Vending machines: Touch-screen vending machines, such as Farmer's Fridge, offering fresh meals and snacks made with premium ingredients.
• SOUND: A store offering cellphone and computer accessories, headphones, travel adapters, chargers, and other must-have devices.

Transport to and from the airport

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The airport is accessible by car, bus, taxi, or rideshare services.

Car

The airport can be reached by taking exit number 9 on Interstate 670 to International Gateway. Alternatively, drivers can access the airport from the east via Hamilton Road, just south of Interstate 270, and enter at Sawyer Road or from the west via Stelzer Road. The airport has a six-story parking garage that provides long-term and short-term parking. Lower-cost satellite parking options with free shuttle service are also available in the Blue, Red, and Green parking lots along International Gateway.

Bus

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides bus service between the airport and downtown Columbus. COTA's 7 Mt. Vernon route is operated from downtown, with every other bus serving either the airport or Easton Transit Center. The GoBus Rural Inter-City Bus Service also operates a thrice-daily schedule to Athens, via Lancaster, Logan, and Nelsonville.

Taxi and Rideshare

Inbound and outbound taxi services are available at the airport. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft can also be used to get to and from the airport.

Limo and Charter Bus

For door-to-door VIP treatment, limo and charter bus services are available from various local companies.

CMH's runway improvements

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) has undergone significant improvements in recent years, including runway enhancements to improve safety and increase air traffic volume.

In 2013, the airport completed a $140 million runway improvement project that moved the south runway farther from the north runway, creating a buffer zone that allows for simultaneous takeoffs and landings. This enhancement was crucial to accommodate the growing city of Columbus and increase the airport's air traffic capacity.

The new runway, commissioned in August 2013, is 10,113 feet long and 150 feet wide. It is paved with hot mix asphalt, utilising a perpetual design approach to enhance resistance to rutting and fatigue, reducing the need for future surface rehabilitation. This design is expected to extend the runway's lifespan to 50 years or more.

The runway is also notable for being the first in the United States to feature high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) runway edge lights, reducing power consumption by 60%. This LED lighting system not only lowers energy costs but also enhances visibility and safety for pilots.

The construction of the new runway involved sustainable practices, including recycling old pavement and materials from demolished structures on the site. Additionally, the airport authority combined the runway construction with the building of a storm water basin, optimising both projects and reducing costs, construction time, and vehicle emissions.

The runway replacement project is part of a broader effort to modernise the airport, with almost $700 million in improvements completed since 2011. This includes a new car rental facility, terminal modernisation, and plans for a new terminal building to be constructed by 2029.

Frequently asked questions