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Columbus Airport unveils preliminary design for new two‑story general aviation terminal; runway work set for Aug.–Nov. 2025
Summary
Airport director Amber Clark and architects presented early designs for a two‑story general aviation terminal intended to be more visible from the street, add a larger lobby, pilot facilities, a restaurant, meeting space and future hangars. City staff confirmed runway work is tentatively scheduled Aug. 1–end of November 2025.
Airport director Amber Clark and Heck Burchaw architect Scott Holmes presented early site and floor plans for a new general aviation terminal at Columbus Airport during the Jan. 7 City Council meeting.
Architect Scott Holmes said the team moved from a one‑story to a two‑story design to increase visibility from the street and provide a more prominent “front door” for private and corporate aviation. The first floor would include a two‑story lobby, information desk, a coffee bar, TSA/secure room for certain direct flights, pilot restrooms and flight‑planning facilities, an on‑site linemen area with showers and a mudroom, and a restaurant with a separate entrance so it can operate after hours without accessing the rest of the terminal.
The second floor would include a large rentable meeting room with AV, a prep kitchen for catered events, and office suites for terminal administration and operations. Holmes emphasized space for future hangars and a larger drop‑off and parking area; he said hangars are planned in a later phase. The design reflects constraints posed by existing hangars and a tight site geometry.
Clark said the airport is also proceeding with a 20‑year master plan update and is exploring hangar expansion, cargo growth and compatibility with emerging aviation trends such as electric aircraft and vertiports. She added the airport hopes to attract additional corporate and military traffic through the upgraded terminal.
Councilors asked about construction timing and runway impacts. Airport staff said a runway closure period tied to planned rehabilitation is tentatively scheduled from Aug. 1 through the end of November 2025; the airport will validate the contractor schedule in coming weeks and coordinate community notice and aircraft operations planning.
Why this matters: The new terminal aims to improve the city’s gateway for corporate aviation and support economic development tied to private, cargo and military traffic. Runway construction will require planning to minimize disruption to based aircraft and commercial operations.
