Key Takeaways
• John Glenn International Airport had over 9 million passengers in 2024, with a record 36,900 on December 1.
• Holiday peaks reached 222,000 departing seats during Thanksgiving, causing long lines and delays.
• A new terminal, opening in 2029, aims to expand capacity and improve traveler facilities.
John Glenn International Airport in Columbus Faces Record Holiday Travel Crowds: What Passengers Need to Know
John Glenn International Airport in Columbus is experiencing some of the busiest travel periods in its history, especially during major holidays. With more people flying than ever before, travelers are seeing longer lines, crowded terminals, and new challenges when trying to catch their flights. The airport has responded with new strategies, expanded facilities, and ongoing construction projects to help manage the surge. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to travel through John Glenn International Airport during the holidays, and how these changes could affect your journey.
Record-Breaking Passenger Numbers at John Glenn International Airport
John Glenn International Airport (CMH), located in Columbus, Ohio, has seen a dramatic increase in passenger traffic over the past few years. In 2024, the airport set a new record, with over 9 million passengers passing through its gates. The single busiest day ever recorded was December 1, 2024, when about 36,900 travelers arrived or departed from the airport. This trend of high passenger volume has continued into 2025, especially during popular travel seasons like Spring Break and the summer holidays.
During the Spring Break period from March 3 to April 25, 2025, the airport expected around 900,000 departing seats. This surge is not just a one-time event; it reflects a broader pattern of growth as more people choose to fly for holidays, vacations, and family visits.
Why Are So Many People Flying Through Columbus?
Several factors are driving the increase in passenger numbers at John Glenn International Airport:
- New and returning nonstop flights to popular destinations, making it easier for travelers to reach cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Cancun without layovers.
- Post-pandemic travel demand as people feel more comfortable flying again and seek to reconnect with loved ones or take long-awaited vacations.
- Columbus’s growing population and economy, which means more residents are using the airport for both business and leisure travel.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these trends are expected to continue, putting even more pressure on airport facilities during peak travel times.
Holiday Travel: When Are the Busiest Days?
If you’re planning to fly during the holidays, it’s important to know which days are likely to be the most crowded. Historical data from the 2024 winter holiday season shows that the busiest days for departures were:
- Sunday, December 22: 16,400 scheduled departing airline seats
- Thursday, December 26: 16,000 seats
- Sunday, December 29: 16,100 seats
- Thursday, January 2: 16,100 seats
The Thanksgiving period in 2024 also saw a sharp increase in travelers, with more than 222,000 seats scheduled to depart from John Glenn International and Rickenbacker International Airport between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and December 3, 2024. The Sunday after Thanksgiving was the single busiest day, with 18,671 scheduled departing seats.
These numbers highlight how holiday travel can push airport capacity to its limits, resulting in longer lines at check-in, security, and boarding gates.
Weather Can Make Things Worse
Traveling during the winter holidays brings another challenge: unpredictable weather. In early January 2025, a heavy winter storm hit much of the Midwest and East Coast, causing significant delays and cancellations at John Glenn International Airport. Airport crews worked hard to clear snow from runways and taxiways, but some flights were still delayed until late afternoon.
Bad weather can quickly turn a busy travel day into a stressful experience, especially if you’re traveling with children, elderly family members, or have tight connections. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and your flight status before heading to the airport.
How the Airport Is Responding: Expansion and Improvements
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which manages John Glenn International Airport, has recognized the need to expand and modernize its facilities. Here’s what’s happening:
New Terminal Project
In late 2024, construction began on a brand-new terminal building that will eventually replace the current terminal. This major project is expected to be completed by 2029 and will help the airport handle even more passengers in the future. The new terminal will offer:
- More gates and larger waiting areas
- Improved security screening facilities
- Modern amenities for travelers, including more shops and restaurants
This follows the opening of a new car rental facility in 2021, which was the first step in the airport’s long-term expansion plan.
Current Facilities
Right now, John Glenn International Airport operates a Main Terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C). The airport handles about 30,000 passengers and 150 flights daily, offering 148 nonstop flights to 31 airports across the United States and beyond.
More Flight Options
The airport has added several new and returning nonstop routes in 2025, including:
- Los Angeles (American Airlines, daily service)
- Cancun (Southwest Airlines, weekend service)
- San Francisco (United Airlines, daily service)
- Atlanta (Spirit Airlines, new service)
- Tampa (Spirit Airlines, returning service)
- Myrtle Beach (Allegiant Air, returning service)
- Nashville (Spirit Airlines, new service)
- Fort Myers (Spirit Airlines, returning service)
These new flights make it easier for travelers to reach popular destinations directly from Columbus, but they also contribute to higher passenger volumes during peak periods.
Managing the Crowds: What the Airport and Travelers Can Do
With so many people passing through John Glenn International Airport during the holidays, both the airport and passengers need to take extra steps to keep things running smoothly.
Airport Strategies
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority has put several measures in place to help manage the crowds:
- Expanded Parking: The Red Shuttle and Green Shuttle Lots have been enlarged to provide more parking spaces during busy times. A new temporary cell phone lot opened in January 2025, making it easier for drivers to wait for arriving passengers without clogging up the terminal curb.
- Construction Alerts: Ongoing construction along International Gateway means travelers should allow extra time to reach the terminal, especially during rush hours.
- Arrival Time Recommendations: Passengers are urged to arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights and two hours early for international flights to allow enough time for check-in, security, and boarding.
- Mobile Apps and Online Tools: The airport encourages travelers to download their airline’s mobile app to check in, receive real-time updates on gate changes or delays, and access in-flight entertainment. Real-time flight status is also available on the official airport website.
- Clear Signage and Staff Assistance: Extra staff and clear signs help direct passengers through the terminal, especially during peak hours.
Tips for Passengers
Travel experts recommend several strategies to avoid delays and reduce stress during busy travel periods:
- Book Early Morning Flights: Flights departing before 8 a.m. are less likely to be delayed or canceled, as problems tend to build up later in the day.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to park, check in, go through security, and find your gate. This is especially important if you’re traveling with children, have special needs, or are unfamiliar with the airport.
- Check Flight Status Before Leaving Home: Weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic can cause last-minute changes. Checking your flight status online can save you a wasted trip to the airport.
- Avoid the Busiest Days: If possible, try to travel on less popular days. The Sunday after Thanksgiving and the days right after Christmas and New Year’s are usually the most crowded.
- Pack Smart: Make sure your carry-on bags meet airline size requirements and avoid packing prohibited items that could slow you down at security.
Real-Life Scenarios: What Travelers Experience
Consider the example of a family flying from Columbus to Los Angeles during the winter holidays. They arrive at John Glenn International Airport two hours before their flight, only to find the parking lots nearly full and long lines at check-in. Thanks to the airport’s expanded parking and extra staff, they manage to park and check in on time. However, a sudden snowstorm causes their flight to be delayed by several hours. By checking their airline’s mobile app and staying updated on announcements, they’re able to adjust their plans and avoid unnecessary stress.
For business travelers heading to Atlanta on a Monday morning, booking an early flight helps them avoid the worst of the crowds and reduces the risk of delays. Using the airport’s real-time flight status tool, they confirm their flight is on time before leaving home.
Immigration and International Travelers
While most flights from John Glenn International Airport are domestic, the airport also serves international destinations like Cancun. International travelers should be aware of additional requirements, such as passport checks and customs procedures. Arriving at least two hours before departure is strongly recommended for international flights.
For those needing immigration forms or information about travel requirements, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website provides official guidance on documents, customs rules, and entry procedures.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Holiday Travel in Columbus
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is committed to improving the travel experience at John Glenn International Airport. The new terminal, set to open in 2029, will provide more space, better amenities, and modern technology to handle even larger crowds. In the meantime, the airport continues to add new routes and carriers, with over 50 nonstop destinations now available from Columbus.
As air travel demand continues to grow, especially during holidays, passengers can expect busy terminals and longer lines. However, with careful planning, early arrival, and use of digital tools, travelers can minimize stress and enjoy smoother journeys.
Actionable Takeaways for Holiday Travelers
- Arrive early: 90 minutes for domestic, two hours for international flights.
- Check flight status: Use airline apps and the airport’s website for real-time updates.
- Plan for parking: Use expanded lots and allow extra time due to construction.
- Book early flights: Morning departures face fewer delays.
- Stay informed: Watch for weather alerts and airport announcements.
- Pack smart: Follow airline rules to speed up security checks.
- Use official resources: For immigration and customs information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
By following these tips and staying aware of ongoing changes at John Glenn International Airport, travelers can better manage the challenges of holiday travel and make their journeys as smooth as possible.
For more detailed analysis and updates on travel trends at John Glenn International Airport and other U.S. airports, VisaVerge.com reports that ongoing infrastructure improvements and new flight options are shaping the future of air travel in Columbus and beyond.
Learn Today
John Glenn International Airport → The primary airport serving Columbus, Ohio, handling domestic and some international flights.
Nonstop flights → Direct flights between two airports without intermediate stops or layovers.
Terminal → Building at an airport where passengers check in, go through security, and board flights.
Departure seats → The number of available seats on all flights leaving the airport during a specified period.
Columbus Regional Airport Authority → The organization managing John Glenn International Airport and overseeing expansions and operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
John Glenn International Airport in Columbus faces record holiday crowds with over 9 million passengers in 2024. Ongoing expansions and new routes aim to ease travel during busy seasons, but passengers should plan ahead to avoid delays caused by crowds and winter weather disruptions.
— By VisaVerge.com
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