After an extensive period of preparation, the long-awaited work on a brand new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport officially kicked off on Monday. This significant project, dubbed “Ohio’s front porch” by Gov. Mike DeWine, marks a major milestone in the airport’s history.

Unveiling Ohio’s Aviation Transformation

Planning and Groundbreaking

With the energetic “Danger Zone” from “Top Gun” playing in the background, approximately 300 visitors gathered under a tent in the airport’s “blue lot” to celebrate the groundbreaking of this nearly $2-billion project. Elizabeth Kessler, chair of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority board, emphasized that this has been a long-awaited endeavor. “This new terminal will truly elevate the flying experience to a first-class level,” she stated.The event coincided with the closure of the blue parking lot to make way for the construction. The new terminal will be constructed on this lot, located west of the current terminal on the south side of International Gateway, the main entrance to the airport.

Replacing the Outdated Terminal

The groundbreaking comes after years of meticulous planning to replace the existing 66-year-old terminal. Airport officials have long argued that the current terminal with its three concourses is no longer efficient and is in need of an upgrade. U.S. Rep. Mike Carey, R-Columbus, highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying, “What we’re witnessing today is the dawn of a new era. It’s not just a front porch; it’s a symbol of welcome and progress.”The new terminal will boast 36 gates compared to the current 29, capable of accommodating up to 13 million passengers within 20 years after its opening. This year, the airport is on track to set a new record in passenger traffic, with over 8.6 million passengers in 2019. Additionally, it will be able to handle larger aircraft, such as the 747-8, Boeing’s largest plane.Adam Decaire, an Ohio native and senior vice president at Southwest Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, explained, “This will offer a seamless experience for airlines. For travelers, it means a single concourse and a centralized security checkpoint.” The current terminal’s three concourses, a result of its expansion, will be replaced by a single security check and concourse, bringing concessions together in one place.

Financing the Terminal

The terminal is expected to cost a total of $1.89 billion, including $1.6 billion for the terminal itself, $110 million for design and staffing costs, and $179 million for a new garage. Taxpayers and airport users will bear the financial burden. The airport authority currently has $240 million available for the terminal and expects to receive $140 million in federal grants and $100 million from other sources. The remaining costs, approximately $1.5 billion, will be financed through the sale of bonds that will be repaid over time using airport revenue from various sources such as parking, taxis, airline fees, and fees from terminal businesses.

Terminal Timeline and Key Steps

Airport authority officials aim to complete the terminal by 2029, in time for the airport’s 100th anniversary. Some important preliminary steps have already been taken, like building the 5,000-car garage that will connect to a new rental car facility. In 2022, the airport hired Gensler, a San Francisco-based company with expertise in aviation architecture, and Moody Nolan, a Columbus-based firm, to design the airport. The construction manager is Colorado-based Hensel Phelps Construction Company, with local support from the Columbus firm Elford.However, the airport authority and Hensel Phelps have not yet agreed to sign a Community Benefits Agreement sought by the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, leading to the presence of about a dozen union protesters at Monday’s gathering. Airport officials and political figures emphasized the value of the new terminal to the entire central Ohio community and workforce. As Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce noted, “This is a gateway to dreams and opportunities, not just for travelers but for our entire region.”