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

Rickenbacker airport emergency exercise; a team of firefighters moving toward an airplane on fire and extinguishing the flames.

Airport emergency simulation scheduled for September 17: Here’s what you need to know

Safety is our top priority for everyone at the airport. This means that any time an incident occurs, our teams work quickly and with each other to respond through the crisis. We have clear action plans set in place, and every year, we put our crisis response to the test through a full-scale airport emergency simulation. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming emergency simulation scheduled for Thursday, September 17, at CMH. Commercial airports are required to test their

View from inside the airport terminal looking through large windows at several commercial airplanes parked on the airfield, representing air travel the day of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

A day that changed aviation: Airport employees reflect on 9/11

“It’s just a unique situation that some of us had to experience, and we try to share that.” Scott Bekemeier Police Lieutenant In the 25 years since September 11, 2001, our country, our industry, and our world have changed significantly. What began as a sunny Tuesday morning became a day marked by confusion, tragedy, and, amidst it all, extraordinary acts of humanity. The impact on the aviation industry was profound

View of John Glenn Columbus International Airport from an elevated vantage point on a hazy day, with wildfire smoke reducing visibility across the airfield. The terminal roof, parking garage, control tower, runways, and construction cranes are visible beneath a gray sky. Photo credit: Tim Fox.

Canadian wildfire smoke and your flight: Is it safe to fly?

If you’ve stepped outside recently, you’ve noticed the haze. Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires has drifted into parts of the United States, leading to air quality alerts across much of the Midwest and Northeast, especially here in Columbus. While poor outdoor air quality can make people think twice about spending time outside, it also raises another question: Is it safe to fly when the air quality is poor? The short answer is yes. The air inside

An airplane taking off from an airport at sunrise, with a clear blue sky and contrails visible overhead.

Sky-high success: How our airports fuel Ohio’s business success

It is official: Ohio is the best place in America to do business In its highly anticipated 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings, CNBC named Ohio the No. 1 state for business for the first time since the study launched in 2007. Moving from No. 5 last year all the way to the top spot caps off five consecutive years of economic climbs. While this monumental win is a

CMH ticket area and entry of Concourse A

Columbus airports recognize TSA employees for continued service during shutdown

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the partial government shutdown continues, Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) leadership and staff extend their gratitude to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who continue to report to work without pay, ensuring passenger safety and continuity of airport operations. As spring break travel continues, passengers are encouraged to arrive inside the terminal at least 90 minutes prior to departure and to check directly with their airline

Ground crew member operates an electric cargo loader to move a wooden crate toward an aircraft’s cargo hold. The plane’s side cargo door is open with equipment extended.

Oink on the move: Rickenbacker tops nation in swine exports

Premium pigs take flight from LCK At the end of 2023, Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) topped the ranks at #1 in the nation for swine exports—and 2025 is already shaping up to be another busy year. So far, the airport has sent out multiple flights carrying nearly 3,000 pigs, with more exports anticipated later this fall. But these aren’t your average farm pigs. “These are premium genetic livestock from PIC—the

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

Jerrie Mock posing in front of Spirit of Columbus red and white plane. first round-the-world solo at Port Columbus

Women who soared: Celebrating aviation pioneers in Columbus

Throughout history, women have broken barriers and defied expectations to leave their mark on aviation. From fearless pilots to trailblazing air traffic controllers, their contributions have shaped the industry and inspired generations to take flight. We celebrate the remarkable women who soared from Columbus, making aviation history right from our runways. Helen Venskus Helen Venskus was a pioneer in aviation long before she took her place in the control tower

Close-up of a Columbus Regional Airport Authority police uniform shoulder patch.

Airport Police officers recognized for their heroism

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Regional Airport Authority President & CEO Joseph R. Nardone recognized two Airport Police officers for their heroic, life-saving actions. “I am incredibly proud to recognize Officers Tyler Starling and Freedom Chrisman for their heroic actions that saved two lives at John Glenn International,” said Nardone. “Their quick thinking and decisive responses exemplify the dedication of our entire Public Safety team to protect the health and safety

A large snow plow machine with areas for a broom to connect in the middle rides along the taxiway in Columbus, Ohio as a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 comes in to land overhead.

Airport “Snow Dogs” preparing for winter weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the season’s first weather event predicted for later this week, rest assured that the Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s “Snow Dogs” are on the prowl, practicing and preparing for winter weather this season. Fact sheet: Major equipment used in snow removal The Airfield Maintenance teams at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport are responsible for removing the snow and ice to keep air traffic