COLUMBUS — People in our area will drive to Columbus and fly out of John Glenn International Airport. Now, that airport is getting ready for a major $2 billion expansion, which is the most expensive public works project ever in Franklin County.
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The project is expected to add seven new gates at the airport when it’s completed in 2029, our news partners at WBNS in Columbus reported.
When completed, the new terminal will handle a record number of flyers across the 33 counties it serves.
“Our best year on record was 2019 when we had 8.6 million passengers here at the existing facility. The new facility will hold up to 13 million annual passengers,” airport Director of Communications Kristen Easterday said.
As WBNS reported, the new terminal is designed to meet the demands of the growing population in Central Ohio, which is expected to reach 3 million in the next 25 years.
“We want to make sure that we are not building for the next five years, but to make sure this terminal is built for the next 20 years,” Easterday said.
The new addition of seven gates will bring the airport’s total to 36. There will also be three concourses at one large entry point.
A large security entrance is also expected to be added to cut down on long lines at TSA.
As shown on News Center 7 at 5:30, construction is already underway to remove the blue parking lot to make room for the new terminal. A new parking garage with a pedestrian bridge will be added.
The project also includes adding 100 electric charging vehicle stations.
Funding for the project includes almost $30 million in government funding. WBNS reported that airlines, tenants, parking, and concessions will also contribute. Airport officials said the cost burden won’t be on passengers.
“There are no associated fees with the new terminal, period,” Easterday said.
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