Key dates in the history of John Glenn International Airport

Columbus’s main airport has undergone many changes over its nearly 100 years of existence, including Amelia Earhart’s first flight, the launching point of Jerry Mock’s historic trip around the world, and renaming in honor of famous Ohioan John Glenn. Here’s a look at some key dates in the airport’s history.

1928: Charles A. Lindbergh visited Columbus to meet with the Airport Commission to express his approval of the Port Columbus Airport construction plans and the airport bond issue that will go before voters in November. His approval helped the bond pass overwhelming approval.
July 8, 1929: At 7:30 a.m., thousands of people watch as passengers arrive at the Port Columbus terminal, where two tri-engine Ford planes await their first flight. By 8:17 a.m., 19 passengers, including Amelia Earhart, had boarded the plane bound for Oklahoma, the next step in the transcontinental journey. At the time, the average price for a one-way ticket was $351.94.
1936: Public Works Administration workers built an east-west runway for Port Columbus during the Great Depression.
1939: As World War II approached, Port Columbus had 15 scheduled flights per day.
1952: Larger aircraft began landing at Port Columbus after the east-west runway, known today as the south runway, was expanded from 4,500 to 8,000 feet with parallel taxiways.
1958: On September 21, an estimated 130,000 people attended the celebration and dedication of Port Columbus’s $12 million renovation, which included a new terminal. At the time, Port Columbus was ranked as the 16th busiest airport in the country.
1964: Columbus native Jerry Mock began and completed her historic 29.5-day solo flight around the world from Port Columbus, becoming the first woman to do so.
1989: In July, the city renamed 17th Avenue International Gate, which leads to the airport’s main entrance. Later that year, US Airways’ new seven-gate, $15.5 million lounge opened. Over time, this area became known as Concourse A.
1996: Concourse C opened with four gates that will be used by Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.
2000: The $92 million project included six levels of parking, extensive rental cars, road improvements and an atrium.
2003: The City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Columbus Airport Authority are approving the merger of the Columbus Airport Authority and the Rickenbacker Port Authority, creating the new Columbus Regional Airport Authority effective Jan. 1.
2013: The relocated South Runway opens. The $140 million project created enough clearance from the northern runway for simultaneous arrivals and departures. The first phase of an $80 million terminal upgrade was completed in September.
2016: The airport was renamed John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The modernization of the terminal is coming to an end.
2020: The global pandemic has stopped almost all traffic at John Glenn Airport and other airports.
2029: The projected opening date for the new $2 billion John Glenn Terminal is in time for the airport’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Source: Columbus Regional Airport Authority