Columbus breaks two passenger records ahead of new summer flights

Airlines adding flights to meet growing demand in Columbus

COLUMBUS – 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 the airports, breaking the previous February record set in 2020.

“Thanks to the airlines’ commitment to the Columbus market, more nonstops are offered now than ever before,” explained Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “As a result, we’ve seen a notable increase in passenger numbers, setting new records that underscore the trust and preference travelers place in Columbus Airports.”

To meet growing demand to popular destinations, several CMH airlines recently announced expansions to their Columbus service.

• May 8 – Spirit to Myrtle Beach (MYR) four times a week
• May 8 – Spirit to New York-LaGuardia (LGA) daily
• May 22 – Frontier to Philadelphia (PHL) three times a week
• May 22 – Frontier to New Orleans (MSY) three times a week
• June 7 – Delta to Salt Lake City (SLC) daily
• June 8 – Southwest to San Diego (SAN) on Saturdays
• June 9 – Southwest to Kansas City (MCI) on Sundays

In 2023, Breeze added three nonstop destinations – Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Myers (RSW), and Orange County (SNA) – and Sun Country Airlines entered the market with service to Minneapolis.

To keep up with the projected continued growth in passenger travel, a new terminal is being built to replace the aging John Glenn International facility. Expected to open in 2029, the new terminal will offer more gates, larger holdrooms, exciting new food and beverage options, and many more enhancements which can be explored at CMHNext.com.

About the Columbus Regional Airport Authority

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority connects Ohio with the world by managing and operating passenger-focused John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), cargo-focused Rickenbacker International Airport, and general aviation airport Bolton Field (TZR). Columbus travelers have access to 53 nonstop destinations via CMH and LCK, the most in airport history.