A significant development is taking place at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, as state and local officials, along with airport partners and community members, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a massive $2 billion terminal project. This ambitious undertaking promises to modernize and significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers at this key Ohio airport.
Construction of the new terminal, managed by construction experts Hensel Phelps, marks a pivotal moment for John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The new facility is set to replace the existing terminal, which has served travelers since 1958. This extensive project reflects the growing needs of Columbus and the surrounding region, aiming to create a state-of-the-art gateway for air travel.
The plans for the new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport are comprehensive and designed to improve every aspect of the passenger journey. Key features of the development include a convenient pedestrian bridge, an impressive entry canopy and head house, and a vibrant marketplace at the heart of the terminal. East and west concourses will extend from this central hub, providing ample space and modern amenities. Strategically located on what was previously a parking lot, just south of International Gateway, the main access point from Interstate 670, the new terminal is designed for optimal accessibility.
Upon its anticipated completion in 2029, the terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport will offer a vastly improved passenger experience. A key enhancement will be dual-level curbside access for both departures and arrivals, streamlining passenger drop-off and pick-up. The pedestrian bridge will seamlessly connect the terminal to a comprehensive ground transportation center, incorporating rental car facilities and a new parking garage with 5,000 spaces. Security processes will be significantly enhanced with a centralized security checkpoint located near the entrance, designed to expedite screening and reduce wait times.
The new terminal will feature 36 gates, including two dedicated international gates, positioning John Glenn Columbus International Airport as an increasingly important international travel hub. A focal point of the terminal will be a spacious, light-filled central marketplace. This area will showcase the best of local food and beverage options, offering travelers a taste of Columbus and Ohio.
The commencement of construction follows a period of complex negotiations between local trade unions and the airport authority. These discussions centered on ensuring fair wages and benefits for workers involved in the project. While an official agreement wasn’t reached, Hensel Phelps has publicly committed to paying prevailing wages for all workers on the John Glenn Columbus International Airport project.
Chuck May, project executive for Hensel Phelps, affirmed this commitment, stating that both his firm and the airport authority are dedicated to providing labor rates that meet or exceed prevailing wage standards, including fringe benefits. He also emphasized a commitment to local workforce development and announced a goal of awarding 25% of contracts, valued at $400 million, to diverse businesses, including small, local, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned firms.
Despite the lack of a formal community workforce agreement, Hensel Phelps’ assurances aim to mitigate potential labor disputes and ensure a skilled workforce for this massive project at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The development is expected to significantly boost the local economy, providing numerous construction jobs and long-term airport operational roles.
Looking ahead, the expanded terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport is projected to handle 13 million passengers annually. This capacity far surpasses the 8.7 million passengers who utilized both John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the nearby Rickenbacker airport passenger terminals in 2023, highlighting the significant growth potential and the vital role of John Glenn Columbus International Airport in serving the region’s air travel needs for decades to come. This transformative project underscores the commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience and solidifying John Glenn Columbus International Airport as a premier aviation gateway.
