Curious statistics about John Glenn Columbus International Airport
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, since 1999.
Record Passenger Traffic
In 2024, CMH handled nearly 9 million passengers (8,965,614), marking a steady growth trend and making it one of the busiest years since its inception. This shows strong demand for travel in and out of Columbus, reflecting the area’s growing economic and population trends.
Significant Year-over-Year Passenger Growth
Passenger numbers increased about 7% from 2023 to 2024, a clear indicator of rising travel activity after pandemic-related slowdowns. This high growth rate is encouraging for the airport authority as they plan infrastructure expansions.
Increasing Flight Operations
The number of flight operations, including landings and takeoffs, has also increased by around 4.7% in recent reports, indicating more frequent flights and possibly increased airline service offerings at the airport.
Busy Cargo Hub
FedEx and UPS dominate cargo at CMH, accounting for over 80% of freight traffic. This highlights the airport’s key role as a regional logistics center beyond passenger travel, supporting local businesses and e-commerce efficiently.
Number of Flights and Destinations
Columbus airport supports approximately 148 daily nonstop flights to 31 destinations served by nine airlines. This wide connectivity is impressive for a mid-sized airport, connecting Columbus to major hubs across the U.S. and some international points.
Upcoming Terminal Expansion
A massive new $2 billion terminal, dubbed "CMH Next," is under construction and scheduled to open in 2029. It will replace the current terminals with a single concourse and 36 gates, designed to handle up to 13 million passengers annually, preparing the airport for future demand.
Historical Trivia About Airport Code
The IATA code "CMH" originally stood for "Columbus Municipal Hangar," which is the airport’s historic name, rather than just "Columbus." Such trivia often surprises travelers who assume the code simply abbreviates the city name.
Customer Satisfaction Ranking
According to a 2025 J.D. Power study, CMH ranked 11th out of 18 medium-sized U.S. airports for passenger satisfaction. While rated average, this is partly attributed to ongoing terminal construction, which may cause disruptions but also promises future improvements.
Average Daily Aircraft Movements
The airport averages around 269 aircraft movements per day, including commercial, general aviation, and air taxi flights, making it a very active regional airport with diverse aviation operations.
Strong Regional Economic Impact
CMH supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the local economy. The central Ohio region welcomes over 51 million visitors annually, generating around $1.68 billion in tax revenue, with the airport playing a central role in this economic activity.
Seasonal Traffic Fluctuations
February 2025 data show monthly passenger numbers around 591,495, demonstrating stable traffic even in a traditionally slower travel month, reflecting the diverse travel demand throughout the year.
Expanded Parking and Access Changes
Due to terminal construction, parking lots and pickup locations have been shifted and expanded, including temporary allowance to wait in certain lots for up to one hour, reflecting the airport’s adaptability during renovation.
New Direct Routes
American Airlines introduced a direct flight to Los Angeles starting March 2025, an expansion of coast-to-coast connectivity that benefits travelers and business traffic alike.
Large Number of Based Aircraft
The airport houses 88 aircraft including jets, single-engine, multi-engine planes, and helicopters, supporting general aviation alongside commercial flights, which adds to the facility’s busy air traffic environment.
Trend of Increasing Nonstop Flights
The airport authority is active in increasing nonstop destinations beyond 50, broadening the airport’s network and improving travel options for passengers, contributing to Columbus’s competitiveness as a travel hub.