Construction continues to advance rapidly on the $2 billion CMH Next terminal project, a transformative modernization initiative at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Designed to replace the aging 1958 infrastructure, the ambitious 1-million-square-foot facility will completely overhaul the passenger experience. Once complete in early 2029, the unified, Y-shaped terminal will expand the airport’s annual capacity to more than 13 million travelers across 36 modern gates, featuring a centralized 13-lane TSA security checkpoint, a massive sunlit central marketplace, and a connected 5,000-space parking structure equipped with over 100 EV charging stations.
Because the massive new facility is being built directly south of International Gateway, travelers should prepare for ongoing roadway and parking adjustments near the active construction zone. Main approach lanes have permanently shifted closer to the project site, altering traditional merging patterns and garage exit routes, while older auxiliary parking areas and temporary cell phone lots have closed. Drivers and passengers are strongly advised to allow extra travel time to successfully navigate these changing traffic detours and utilize the primary cell phone lot near Lane Aviation when waiting for arrivals.
Ohio’s airport modernization drive extends beyond Columbus, with Cleveland Hopkins International Airport unveiling a master plan for two new concourses and major terminal upgrades. The proposed redevelopment, part of the CLEvolution program, outlines a long-term transformation of Northeast Ohio’s busiest airport, complementing the new terminal project at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
$350 million in additional funding
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority Board (CRAA) approved over $350 million in additional funding for the $2 billion John Glenn Columbus International Airport new terminal project. The action, at the board meeting on February 25, 2025, will further speed up construction, project management, airline coordination, communications, security, and concessions planning.
According to CRAA CEO Joseph Nardone, the project remains on track, with the airport getting close to providing a modernized terminal to enhance passenger experience and join major airports in the US completing major terminal upgrades.
Latest Funding
The maximum value of the authorized funds, $338.1 million, is to be disbursed to Hensel Phelps for ongoing construction work. The work involves electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment, acoustical ceilings, drywall, lighting, and other interior items. The cumulative payments to Hensel Phelps so far have now total nearly $1.5 billion.
Another two construction packages will be approved in June and August for a total of another $85 million. These final phases will focus on terminal finishes, signage, landscaping, constructing a public safety building, and demolishing the existing terminal.
Costs for the services related to the new terminal project
Some other costs for the services related to the project include $7.15 million for Michigan-based firm Jacobsen/Daniels Associates, which is providing planning and construction support services; $6.26 million for Florida-based firm AvAirPros, specializing in aviation advisory services; $1 million to Fahlgren Mortine marketing agency of Columbus; $608,720 for Westerville firm Central Ohio Private Security; and $253,000 for business management consulting services from Chicago firm Unison Consulting.
The design total of $76.1 million has been spent so far, and the total design expense amounts to $95.2 million. A construction total of $176.4 million has been spent, while the total cost of construction amounts to $1.6 billion. An allocation of $1 million has been made towards developing and constructing a new parking garage that will take an estimated total of $178.8 million.
The new 1 million-square-foot terminal that will become operational in the near future takes over from the airport’s outdated facility that has been operational since 1958. It ceremoniously broke ground in December 2024 and is expected to open in 2029. The demolition of the old terminal is scheduled for between March 2029 and June 2030.
Read also: JFK Airport’s Terminal 8 Undergoes $125M Commercial Redevelopment
Additional Funding Approved for John Glenn Airport’s New Terminal Project
Overview
$2 billion terminal replacement project at John Glenn Columbus International Airport
CRAA Board approved additional $350 million in funding (February 25, 2025)
New 1 million-square-foot terminal to replace the outdated 1958 facility
Groundbreaking: December 2024
Expected completion: 2029
Recent Funding for John Glenn Airport’s New Terminal Project
$338.1 million authorized to Hensel Phelps for construction (total payments now approaching $1.5 billion)
Additional $85 million in construction packages planned for June and August 2025
Project Status
On schedule according to CRAA CEO Joseph Nardone
Current phase includes electrical, mechanical, plumbing, acoustical ceilings, drywall, and lighting
Final phases will include terminal finishes, signage, landscaping, public safety building, and demolition of existing terminal
Key Contractors
Hensel Phelps: Primary construction
Jacobsen/Daniels Associates: Planning and construction support ($7.15M)
AvAirPros: Aviation advisory services ($6.26M)
Fahlgren Mortine: Marketing ($1M)
Central Ohio Private Security: Security services ($608,720)
Unison Consulting: Business management consulting ($253,000)
Budget Breakdown
Design: $76.1M spent of $95.2M total
Construction: $176.4M spent of $1.6B total
New parking garage: $1M allocated of $178.8M total
New Terminal Project Timeline
Old terminal demolition: March 2029 – June 2030
Read also: DFW Airport begins Terminal C Renovation, Ushering in ,”Dawn of a New Era”
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