Where is cmh airport

Overview

John Glenn Columbus International Airport, identified by the IATA code CMH, serves as the primary aviation gateway for central Ohio and the Columbus metropolitan area. Originally established as Port Columbus in 1929 on a site selected by Charles Lindbergh, the airport has evolved from a modest airfield into a major transportation hub. The airport was renamed in 2016 to honor astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, who hailed from nearby New Concord, Ohio. Today, CMH stands as a vital economic engine for the region, connecting Ohio to domestic and international destinations.

The airport's strategic location approximately 6 miles east of downtown Columbus makes it easily accessible to the city's 2.1 million metropolitan residents. CMH operates as a focus city for Allegiant Air and serves as an important secondary hub for American Airlines. The facility features a modern terminal complex with three concourses (A, B, and C) that collectively house 44 gates. With continuous expansion and modernization projects, CMH has maintained its position as Ohio's second-busiest airport by passenger volume, trailing only Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

How It Works

CMH Airport operates as a comprehensive aviation facility with multiple components working in coordination to serve passengers and airlines efficiently.

• Terminal Operations: The airport's single terminal building spans 1.1 million square feet and features three concourses with 44 gates total. Concourse A serves American Airlines exclusively with 12 gates, while Concourses B and C handle other carriers with 16 and 16 gates respectively. The terminal processes over 22,000 passengers daily during peak travel periods.
• Airfield Configuration: CMH features three runways: Runway 10L/28R (10,125 feet), Runway 10R/28L (8,000 feet), and Runway 5/23 (5,004 feet). These runways accommodate approximately 200 daily commercial flights plus general aviation and cargo operations. The airfield can handle aircraft up to the size of Boeing 767s and Airbus A330s.
• Airlines and Destinations: The airport hosts 10 commercial airlines serving 35 non-stop destinations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Major carriers include American (with 40 daily departures), Delta (25 daily), United (20 daily), and Southwest (30 daily). Allegiant Air operates as the largest carrier by number of destinations with 15 unique routes.
• Cargo and General Aviation: CMH handles significant cargo operations through its separate cargo facilities, processing over 100 million pounds of freight annually. The airport also features extensive general aviation facilities at the Bolton Field annex, which accommodates private and corporate aircraft with 50 based aircraft and 50,000 annual operations.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Economic Impact: CMH generates approximately $6.7 billion in annual economic activity for central Ohio and supports over 54,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The airport contributes $300 million annually in state and local taxes, making it one of Franklin County's largest economic contributors.
• Regional Connectivity: As Ohio's capital city airport, CMH provides essential air service for government, business, and educational institutions. The airport serves The Ohio State University's 60,000+ students and faculty, numerous Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Columbus, and state government operations.
• Transportation Infrastructure: CMH forms a critical component of Ohio's multimodal transportation network, connecting to Interstate 670 via the Airport Expressway and offering direct access to downtown Columbus in under 15 minutes. The airport's location at the intersection of I-670 and I-270 provides excellent regional accessibility.

Looking forward, CMH Airport is positioned for continued growth with planned infrastructure investments totaling $1.2 billion over the next decade. These developments include terminal modernization, enhanced security facilities, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. As central Ohio's population continues expanding at a rate of 1.5% annually, CMH will play an increasingly vital role in connecting the region to global opportunities while maintaining its commitment to operational excellence and passenger satisfaction.