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Important dates in John Glenn International Airport history

Harry October 27, 2024

Columbus’ main airport has seen numerous changes throughout its nearly 100-year existence, including the first flight involving Amelia Earhart, the starting point of Jerrie Mock’s historic trip around the world, and its renaming to famous Ohioan John Glenn . Here you’ll find a look at some key dates in the airport’s history.

1928: Charles A. Lindbergh visited Columbus to meet with the Airport Commission to voice his approval of the Port Columbus Airport construction plans and airport bond issue that will go before voters in November. His stamp of approval helped the bond pass overwhelmingly.
July 8, 1929: At 7:30 a.m., thousands of watching passengers arrive at the Port Columbus terminal, where two Ford Tri-Motor planes await the inaugural flight. At 8:17 a.m., 19 passengers, including Amelia Earhart, boarded the plane for the next step of the transcontinental journey: Oklahoma. The average price of a one-way ticket at that time was $351.94.
1936: Public Works Administration employees built Port Columbus’ east-west runway during the Great Depression.
1939: As World War II approached, Port Columbus had 15 scheduled flights a day.
1952: Larger planes began landing at Port Columbus after the east-west runway, known today as the south runway, was extended from 4,500 feet to 8,000 feet with parallel taxiways.
1958: An estimated 130,000 people attended the celebration and dedication on Sept. 21 for Port Columbus’ $12 million upgrade, which included a new terminal. At the time, Port Columbus was the 16th busiest airport in the country.
1964: Columbus native Jerrie Mock launched and ended a historic 29.5-day solo round-the-world flight from Port Columbus, becoming the first woman to do so.
1989: In July, the city renamed 17th Street the International Gateway, which leads to the airport’s front gate. Later in the year, US Airways opened a new $15.5 million seven-door lounge. The area eventually became known as Concourse A.
1996: Concourse C opened with four doors to be used by Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.
2000: A $92 million project, it included a six-story parking garage, extensive car rental and road improvements, and an atrium.
2003: The city of Columbus, Franklin County and the Columbus Airport Authority have approved the merger of the Columbus Airport Authority and the Rickenbacker Port Authority, creating the new Columbus Regional Airport Authority, effective Jan. 1.
2013: The relocated South runway opens. The $140 million project created sufficient clearance from the north runway to accommodate simultaneous landings and takeoffs. Phase 1 of the $80 million terminal modernization was completed in September.
2016: The airport was renamed John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Terminal modernization is nearing its end.
2020: The global pandemic has halted nearly all traffic at John Glenn and other airports.
2029: John Glenn’s new $2 billion terminal is projected to open in time to celebrate the airport’s 100th anniversary.