Old CMH Terminal's Fate: What Happens When Columbus's New Airport Opens

As Columbus prepares to welcome a brand-new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), questions are swirling about what will become of the facility that has served Central Ohio travelers for decades.

A Terminal With Deep Roots

The original CMH terminal — officially known as the Eldon Ward Terminal — was built in 1958 and has been a fixture of Columbus aviation history for more than 65 years. Over the decades, it underwent several expansions and renovations to accommodate the region's growing passenger traffic, but the aging structure has long been considered inadequate for a metropolitan area the size of Columbus.

The New Terminal Takes Shape

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) broke ground on the new $1.8 billion terminal in 2022. The state-of-the-art facility, designed to dramatically expand capacity, improve passenger experience, and accommodate modern aircraft, is expected to open in phases beginning around 2026. The new terminal will feature more gates, expanded concessions, improved TSA checkpoints, and better roadway access.

What Happens to the Old Terminal?

Once the new terminal is fully operational, the existing structure is slated for demolition. Airport officials have indicated that the cleared land will be repurposed to support expanded airfield operations, additional cargo facilities, and improved ground transportation infrastructure — all critical components of the airport's long-term master plan.

While no formal redevelopment agreements for the land have been publicly finalized, the CRAA has signaled that the reclaimed footprint will play a key role in positioning CMH as a competitive Midwest hub for both commercial and cargo aviation.

What It Means for Columbus

The transition marks the end of an era for a terminal that greeted generations of Columbus residents returning home and sent off countless travelers on their journeys. Community members and aviation enthusiasts have expressed a mix of nostalgia and excitement as the region prepares for a facility befitting its growing status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest.

As demolition and construction timelines are confirmed, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority is expected to release more detailed plans for the site. Residents are encouraged to follow updates at flyCMH.com.