COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) has released its 2021 stats, revealing that Rickenbacker International (LCK) handled a record-breaking 153,600 metric tons of cargo, and over six million passengers traveled through John Glenn Columbus International (CMH) and LCK.
“Our year-end numbers reflect our great business partnerships and the dedication of our staff, making 2021 a year of accomplishments and milestones for CRAA,” said Joseph R. Nardone, CRAA President & CEO.
Rickenbacker had its best year in history, setting new records for annual tonnage and widebody all-cargo aircraft handled. Additionally, international tonnage was up 44% year-over-year, with the export portion of that volume up 122%.
Passenger traffic at both airports steadily rose, thanks in part to successful air service developments bringing new and returning routes to both airports, and new airline Breeze Airways to CMH. CMH and LCK ended the year with 68% of the traffic recorded in 2019, in line with the national average.
“With CMH and LCK now offering nonstop flights to 50 destinations for passengers, and completion of a $50 million runway improvement project at LCK, CRAA is well positioned for 2022 and beyond,” said Nardone.
More 2021 highlights:
- CMH’s new rental car center opened in September, featuring three of the state’s first electric busses.
- CMH launched Paw Force One and CLEAR, and opened new restaurant Hangar 815.
- LCK served as one of the few non-passenger hub airports to accommodate converted passenger-freighters, surpassing 1,500 of these type of all-cargo flights since the beginning of the pandemic.
- Two new operators joined LCK, Apex Logistics and Maestro International Cargo (now part of Alliance Ground International).
