Milestones - John Glenn International (CMH) & Rickenbacker (LCK) Airports

Attendees watch a speaker at a podium and four people onstage at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Screens display the airport and Lufthansa logos and announce nonstop Columbus–Frankfurt service starting in 2027.

Guten Tag! Lufthansa announces nonstop flights to Frankfurt, Germany, beginning May 2027

Columbus, we’re going to Europe. Nonstop. You read that right. Beginning May 2027, Lufthansa will launch nonstop flights between John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany. This will provide passengers a brand-new way to reach Europe and destinations around the world from right here at home. And we’re not talking about just any flight. The route will operate aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Lufthansa’s

Air Canada Express Embraco 175 aircraft (registration C-FEJF) lifting off from a runway, with red construction cranes and a partially-built terminal structure visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Nonstop momentum: CMH launches first-ever nonstop to Montreal

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) and Air Canada today celebrated the takeoff of the first-ever nonstop flight between John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). This historic connection marks the first time Columbus passengers have nonstop access to Quebec’s largest city, further expanding the region’s connectivity. The daily, seasonal service provides a critical link for both business and leisure travelers, offering convenient

Promotional image for Columbus airports featuring two adults and a child smiling and walking through an airport, with text announcing 2025 as a record-breaking year. The website FlyColumbus.com is visible.

Clear skies and record climbs: Passenger growth gains momentum

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Regional Airport Authority Chief Operating Officer Casey Denny today announced that 2025 was another record-breaking year for passenger travel at Columbus airports. “This record-setting year builds on the momentum we are seeing in this growing region,” said Denny. “By flying to more destinations than ever before, we are better connected to business hubs and popular vacation destinations that support our community’s growth. We aren’t just handling

CRAA President & CEO announces retirement following major milestone in terminal project

COLUMBUS, OH – Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), today announced that after eight years of transformative leadership and with Board of Directors’ approval of the final bid package for new terminal construction earlier this week, he will retire. “Following our busiest year ever and with a strong, experienced leadership team in place, I’m confident the future is bright for CRAA and the

A little boy runs through the airport terminal, holding onto a small toy airplane. His parents are in the background, smiling while watching him as they walk along.

Passenger traffic soars to new heights in 2024 at Columbus airports

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Regional Airport Authority President & CEO Joseph R. Nardone today announced that 2024 was a record-breaking year for passenger travel at Columbus airports. “With the new CMH terminal groundbreaking in December, record passengers numbers, and more nonstop destinations than ever, momentum is building at our airports,” said Nardone. “I am proud of the CRAA team for delivering exceptional service while advancing the construction of our new

Aerial footage over the east ramp at John Glenn Columbus International Gateway. Below are several airplanes at gates. In the distance are darker clouds with downtown Columbus on the horizon.

Reflecting on our busiest year ever: 2024 in review

As we close the chapter on 2024, we look back on an extraordinary year for Columbus airports. With over 9 million passengers traveling through John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), this has been our busiest year ever! We’re filled with gratitude for the milestones we’ve reached and the progress we’ve made. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights that made this year unforgettable:

Decorative "CMH NEXT" sign on display at an outdoor event with people mingling in the background under a tent.

Breaking ground for what’s next – New terminal construction project takes flight

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Regional Airport Authority President & CEO Joseph R. Nardone and Board of Directors Chair Elizabeth P. Kessler today welcomed state and local officials, airport partners, and members of the community to the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. “Our new terminal is only possible thanks to the support of our many partners, community members, and airport employees, who have

Aerial view of the Blue Lot, covered and uncovered, at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, on a sunny day.

Preparing for what’s next: Blue Lot closure scheduled

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In preparation for the upcoming new terminal construction project, the Blue Shuttle Lot at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) will close to new parkers on December 9. A new, 2,550-car expansion will open in the Red Lot at the same time to accommodate additional cars. “Closing the Blue Shuttle Lot marks a major step forward as we prepare the site for our new terminal,” said Joseph

An airplane awaits approval for takeoff during the early morning hours, with the sun shining brightly behind it. Text on the graphic reads, "busiest summer ever. 2 point 5 million passengers."

Busiest summer ever for Columbus Regional Airport Authority

COLUMBUS, Ohio – John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) had record-breaking summer travel seasons with 2.58 million passengers – Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s (CRAA’s) busiest summer ever! “Our summer numbers are a testament to the trust our passengers place in us and the hard work of our dedicated team,” said CRAA President & CEO Joseph R. Nardone. “We’re committed to providing seamless travel while preparing

Graphic. Busiest week ever. 196,000 estimated passengers. Airplane flies to the right, pulling the blue background like a banner.

Columbus breaks two passenger records ahead of new summer flights

COLUMBUS, OH — Coming off the heels of the busiest February in Columbus’ air travel history, last week marked the busiest travel week on record. An estimated 196,000 passengers traveled through John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and the Rickenbacker Passenger Terminal the week of March 18, breaking the previous record set the week of July 15, 2019. Additionally, during the month of February, a record 629,621 passengers traveled through