CRAA Greenlights Additional $350M for John Glenn ...
CRAA has approved over $350 million in additional funding for the $2 billion John Glenn Columbus International Airport terminal project.
constructionreviewonline.comHere’s the latest I can provide based on publicly reported developments up to mid-2025 and ongoing construction updates.
Headline snapshot
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) has been undergoing a major terminal replacement project. The project aims to replace the aging 1958-era terminal with a new, roughly 1 million-square-foot facility to modernize passenger experience and throughput. The project timeline has targeted opening around 2029, with ongoing construction and phased milestones announced by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) [web results indicate formal groundbreakings and funding approvals in 2024–2025, and ongoing construction activity through 2025; see sources below for details].
Key details and context
- Project scope: A $2 billion terminal replacement/expansion program to supersede the existing CMH terminal, including enhanced gates, concourses, security, concessions, and passenger circulation improvements. The new terminal is intended to support growing passenger demand across the Columbus region and align CMH with modern mid-sized U.S. airport standards.[1]
- Funding and schedule: Reports in 2024–2025 note substantial funding milestones, including a notable round of funding approvals in early 2025 to accelerate construction management, with total construction payments advancing toward substantial completion. Officials described the project as on schedule and progressing through core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades, with finishing phases anticipated later in the project timeline.[1]
- Groundbreaking and development: The official groundbreaking for the new CMH terminal occurred in December 2024, marking the start of a long-term construction program that is expected to culminate with a functional terminal by 2029, followed by demolition of the old facility in a later phase.[1]
- Federal and state attention: The project has periodically drawn interest from local, state, and federal officials concerning funding priorities for large airport terminal improvements, with ongoing advocacy to secure additional federal support to complement local and state investments.[3]
What this means for travelers
- Expect continued construction activity at CMH through the next few years, with phased closures or rerouting of certain concourses or services during project phases. Once completed, the new terminal should offer improved wayfinding, more efficient security queues, updated dining/shopping options, and modern jet bridge infrastructure to accommodate current and future aircraft fleets.[3][1]
Illustrative timeline (based on reported milestones)
- Dec 2024: Groundbreaking for CMH new terminal project.[1]
- Feb 2025: CRAA approved additional funding to accelerate the project.[1]
- 2029: Target opening of the new terminal; demolition of the existing terminal anticipated after that (roughly 2029–2030) as the old facility is removed to make way for the new layout.[1]
Notes on reliability and further updates
- Local and national aviation press and CRAA communications remain the best sources for ongoing progress, funding approvals, and opening dates. Since schedules for large terminal projects can shift due to financing, supply chain, or construction challenges, I recommend checking the CRAA News & Media page or CMH Next updates for the latest milestones and any changes to the timeline.[4][5][10]
Would you like me to pull the most current public updates from CRAA or compile a concise timeline as of today? If you want, I can also provide a map-style outline of the current terminal’s future layout versus the new terminal concept to help visualize the changes.