How new John Glenn airport terminal could affect travel and population in Columbus

Jerod Smalley
·2 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – With the new airport terminal coming to Columbus in 2029, would a new facility be the reason Columbus could attract new business, or even land direct flights to destinations in Europe?

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Columbus seems to be making an impression on potential residents. A recent study by Bank of America shows Columbus is the fastest growing major city in the nation.

Didi Caldwell serves as president of a consulting firm that helps companies find ideal locations for growth. She recently placed a large client in the Columbus area. She said Ohio’s tax structure gives the region an edge.

“A real economic powerhouse with manufacturing and data centers and headquarters and all of the things that make a really diverse, dynamic economy,” Caldwell said.

But for companies that need frequent international access, Columbus does not check many boxes.

“They tend to go to cities where there is a large international airport just for the ease of travel,” Caldwell said. “Until Columbus has something like that, it’s going to be difficult to recruit that type of a global or, you know, national headquarters.”

Census data shows Columbus as the 14th most populated city in the nation at more than 900,000 residents. Cleveland ranks 54th, Cincinnati 64th and Pittsburgh 68th.

Yet Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh all offer several direct flights to Europe each week. Columbus offers none.

Airport officials said it’s the airlines who make decisions on when and where to offer flights and their research shows Columbus is not there yet.

The airport renovation plans call for two international gates. NBC4 spoke with several international companies with central Ohio operations – many said international travel is not a major issue for them, especially with the ease of virtual meetings.

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