Lois Larson
Rickenbacker International Airport (IATA: LCK, ICAO: KLCK, FAA LID: LCK) is a civil-military public airport located 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Columbus, near Lockbourne in southern Franklin County, Ohio, United States. The airport is named after flying ace and Columbus native Eddie Rickenbacker. It is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also operates John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Bolton Field. Rickenbacker International Airport is primarily a cargo airport, but it has also been serving an increasing number of passenger flights and charter carriers since 2012.
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What You'll Learn
Location and management
Rickenbacker International Airport is located 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Columbus, near Lockbourne in southern Franklin County, Ohio, United States. The airport covers 4,342 acres (1,757 ha) and has two runways and one helipad. The south end of the airport extends into Pickaway County.
The airport is named after flying ace and Columbus native Eddie Rickenbacker. It is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also operates John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Bolton Field. Rickenbacker International is primarily a cargo airport, with scheduled service from FedEx Express, FedEx Feeder contractors, Mountain Air Cargo, CSA Air, UPS Airlines, and Air Cargo Carriers. Multi-weekly 747 freighter service is operated by Atlas Air and Kalitta Air.
Since the completion of the current passenger terminal in 2003, Rickenbacker has acted as a secondary airport for Columbus. The passenger terminal offers free WiFi and charging ports for devices. It is accessible from the I-270 outer belt, with parking available 24 hours a day, including ADA-designated spaces. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are also available at the airport.
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority has implemented initiatives to improve the airport's operations and the surrounding area. In 2006, the Authority completed a noise compatibility study to guide flight paths and target soundproofing for buildings exposed to high levels of aircraft noise. Additionally, in 2008, Norfolk Southern opened the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal next to the airport, facilitating the handling of approximately 250,000 intermodal containers annually and improving access to the deep-water port at Norfolk, Virginia.
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Cargo and passenger flights
Rickenbacker International Airport is a civil-military airport located 10 miles from downtown Columbus, Ohio, USA. It is primarily a cargo airport, but it has been operating an increasing number of passenger flights since 2012.
The airport is accessible from several highways, including I-270, I-71, I-70, Highway 23, and Highway 33. It is also served by public transport, with the 81 bus line being a popular option for travellers despite the longer travel time. Parking is available directly in front of the passenger terminal, and taxis and rideshares can pick up passengers at the curbside.
Allegiant Air is the only airline operating commercial flights from the airport, offering flights to destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. The airport has a small and easy-to-navigate terminal, with amenities including an Aviation Café, vending machines, a pharmacy, and free WiFi.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rickenbacker International Airport saw a significant increase in cargo traffic as airlines brought in medical cargo. Airlines such as Emirates, Korean Air, and Etihad serviced the airport with passenger aircraft converted to transport loose cargo. The airport was named the 2021 Airport of the Year by the Ohio Aviation Association for its role in bringing emergency protective equipment.
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Filming and events
Rickenbacker International Airport has been used as a filming location for exterior aircraft shots in the film Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford. The airport also hosted the Columbus Air Show in 2023 and the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends air show in 2007, which was one of the largest gatherings of operable classic warbirds, especially the P-51 Mustang.
The airport offers a range of services and amenities for flight crews, passengers, and the corporations they represent. These include a pilot's lounge with TV, Wi-Fi, and power outlets, as well as a briefing area with weather and flight planning computers. The airport also provides 24/7 U.S. Customs clearance and uncongested airfield and airspace.
Rickenbacker International Airport is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also operates John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Bolton Field. The airport covers 4,342 acres and has two runways and one helipad. It is located 10 miles south of downtown Columbus, near Lockbourne in southern Franklin County, Ohio.
The airport has a wide range of scalable, fixed-base operation services, including ground handling for all types of aircraft. Heated hangars are available for lease, and fuel discounts are offered to eligible customers. The airport also has a passenger terminal with free Wi-Fi and charging stations for devices. Additionally, the airport provides accessible services for travellers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and TSA Cares assistance.
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Accessibility and amenities
Rickenbacker International Airport, located 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Columbus, is a civil-military public airport that is easily accessible from the I-270 outerbelt. The airport is named after flying ace and Columbus native Eddie Rickenbacker.
Rickenbacker International Airport offers a range of amenities and accessibility features for passengers. The airport has a passenger terminal that provides free Wi-Fi and device charging stations. For individuals with disabilities, the airport offers designated ADA parking spaces, and wheelchair assistance can be arranged directly with the airlines. TSA Cares is also available to provide assistance to travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances.
The airport is easily accessible by car, with on-airport parking available 24 hours a day. Taxis and ridesharing services are also available at the curbside of the passenger terminal. For those who prefer to rent a car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is available on-site.
In addition to its accessibility by road, Rickenbacker International Airport has two runways and one helipad, accommodating various types of aircraft. The airport serves as a hub for multiple cargo and passenger airlines, including Allegiant Air, FedEx Express, Mountain Air Cargo, and UPS Airlines.
The airport has also implemented initiatives to enhance its accessibility and convenience for passengers. In 2006, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority completed a noise compatibility study, guiding flight paths and soundproofing measures. Additionally, the airport has adopted new technologies, such as the Aira app, to assist blind and low-vision travellers in navigating the airport facilities.
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Future developments
Rickenbacker International Airport has been undergoing several developments and upgrades over the years, with many more planned for the future.
In 2015, Cathay Pacific Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo boosted their services at the airport, and in 2016, logistics company Morrison Express launched operations at Rickenbacker to support them. The airport also opened a new Air Traffic Control tower in 2016.
In 2018, Rickenbacker launched a $565,000 improvement project to increase the efficiency of its jetways. This included installing new ground power units and pre-conditioned air units, with funding provided largely by an FAA grant. The airport also upgraded its animal transport facility in 2018, earning USDA status as a certified Export Inspection Facility and a Permanent Port of Embarkation for livestock.
Rickenbacker has also been involved in an FAA research project on drones. In 2021, it was one of five airports chosen to participate in the agency's Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems Detection and Mitigation Research Program. This program aims to shape guidance for airports and ensure drones don't cause harm or interference to the FAA's National Airspace System. Rickenbacker has been a vital contributor to shaping the future of drone safety and exploring the safe and meaningful applications of UAS at the airport.
The airport is also expanding its cargo operations and aims to increase the amount of commercial air cargo activity that comes through. Rickenbacker is well-positioned to attract more cargo business due to its low cost structure compared to traditional gateways and its capacity.
In terms of infrastructure, Norfolk Southern Corp. has expressed interest in building a $68.5 million intermodal terminal on airport property, and the airport has received funding for the Rickenbacker East-West Connector project, which will improve road access for heavy truck traffic.
The airport also has a strong military presence, with the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing, the Ohio Army National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2, and the headquarters for the Ohio Military Reserve based there.
With these ongoing developments and a focus on cargo operations, infrastructure improvements, and drone safety research, Rickenbacker International Airport is poised for continued growth and success in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
LCK.
Rickenbacker International Airport.
Rickenbacker International Airport is located 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Columbus, near Lockbourne in southern Franklin County, Ohio, United States.
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority manages the airport.
The Rickenbacker Passenger Terminal offers free WiFi and charging stations for devices.
