Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Columbus, Ohio, has two airports with scheduled passenger service. Most travelers use John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about six miles east of downtown. Allegiant Air uses the separate Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) south of downtown, so checking the airport code before leaving home is essential.
Quick Answer
Airlines currently listed at CMH include Air Canada, Alaska, American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, United, and seasonal Vacation Express/Viva Aerobus service. Allegiant flies from Rickenbacker (LCK), not CMH. Spirit stopped operating in May 2026, while JetBlue is scheduled to return in November 2026.
Key Takeaways
- CMH is Columbus’s main passenger airport and has one terminal with Concourses A, B, and C.
- Allegiant passengers must use Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), not John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
- Current nonstop international choices include Toronto, seasonal Montreal, and seasonal Cancun; London is not a nonstop destination from CMH.
- Routes, airlines, and operating days change by season, so confirm the airport code and schedule before booking.
- Low base fares do not always mean the lowest total price. Compare baggage, seat-selection, and change costs before paying.
Updated July 31, 2026: The airline list below reflects the airport’s current airline page. Announced future service is labeled separately because it is not yet operating.
Which Airlines Fly Out of Columbus, Ohio?
John Glenn Columbus International Airport opened in 1929 as Port Columbus and was renamed for astronaut and former U.S. Senator John Glenn in 2016. The current airport has a single terminal divided into three concourses. A new 36-gate terminal is under construction and is expected to open in early 2029.
The following table separates airlines operating at CMH from Allegiant’s service at LCK. Concourse assignments can change, so verify them on the official Fly Columbus airline page before travel.
| Airline or operator | Airport | Concourse | Typical role in the Columbus market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | CMH | C | Canada service and onward connections |
| Alaska Airlines | CMH | C | Seattle and West Coast connections |
| American Airlines | CMH | B | Large domestic hub network and select seasonal international service |
| Breeze Airways | CMH | C | Low-cost nonstop routes to leisure and underserved markets |
| Delta Air Lines | CMH | C | Large domestic hub network |
| Frontier Airlines | CMH | C | Ultra-low-cost domestic service |
| Southwest Airlines | CMH | A | Broad domestic network and seasonal leisure routes |
| Sun Country Airlines | CMH | C | Seasonal leisure service |
| United Airlines | CMH | B | Large domestic hub network and transcontinental routes |
| Vacation Express / Viva Aerobus | CMH | C | Seasonal Mexico vacation service |
| Allegiant Air | LCK | Rickenbacker passenger terminal | Low-cost leisure routes |
Warning: Do not assume every Columbus flight leaves from CMH. Allegiant operates from LCK at 2241 John Circle Drive, while CMH is at 4600 International Gateway. The two airports are not connected terminals.
Recent Airline Changes at Columbus Airports
Airline lists can become outdated quickly. Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026, so it should no longer be described as a current CMH carrier. The airport says other airlines continue to serve many of Spirit’s former Columbus destinations.
JetBlue has announced a return to CMH with daily nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale beginning November 3, 2026. Because that date is still in the future, JetBlue should be treated as announced service rather than a currently operating airline.
Breeze Airways has also announced seasonal nonstop service to Punta Cana beginning January 8, 2027. Southwest has announced Saturday service to San Juan beginning February 13, 2027. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so San Juan is a domestic trip for U.S. immigration purposes even though it is in the Caribbean.
Domestic Destinations Served from Columbus
Columbus has nonstop service to major business and leisure markets across the United States. The airport’s published route chart includes cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.
No single airline dominates every major route. American and United serve Chicago O’Hare, while Southwest serves Chicago Midway. American and United fly to Los Angeles. Atlanta has service from Delta, Southwest, and Frontier. New York-area options are spread among American, Delta, and United, depending on the airport.
Popular Nonstop Routes and Connecting Hubs
- Atlanta (ATL): A major Delta hub with many onward domestic and international connections.
- Chicago (ORD and MDW): Useful for business travel and connections on American, United, or Southwest.
- Dallas (DFW and DAL): American serves Dallas/Fort Worth, while Southwest serves Dallas Love Field.
- Denver (DEN): Served by Frontier, Southwest, and United.
- New York City area: Nonstops may include JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, depending on the airline.
- Washington, D.C. area: American and Southwest serve Reagan National, while United serves Dulles.
Seasonal routes may operate only on certain days or during peak vacation periods. A route shown on an airport map may not be available for every travel date.
Fly Columbus lists more than 50 nonstop destinations across CMH and LCK, but the total includes a mix of year-round, seasonal, and announced future service.
International Destinations from Columbus
CMH has a limited but useful selection of nonstop international flights. Current service includes Toronto, seasonal Montreal, and seasonal Cancun. Schedules vary, and some routes pause outside their operating season.
| Destination | Airport code | Airline | Service pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto, Canada | YYZ | Air Canada | Year-round |
| Montreal, Canada | YUL | Air Canada | Seasonal |
| Cancun, Mexico | CUN | Seasonal service varies by schedule | Seasonal |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | PUJ | Breeze Airways | Announced for January 8, 2027 |
There is no current nonstop flight from Columbus to London. Travelers heading to Europe usually connect through hubs such as Toronto, Montreal, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, or Washington. Air Canada’s Montreal and Toronto flights can also provide onward international connections.
Pro Tip: For an international itinerary with a connection, compare the full journey—not just the first flight. Check total travel time, connection length, baggage rules, and whether you must change terminals or reclaim bags.
Low-Cost Airlines Operating in Columbus
Travelers looking for lower base fares can compare Breeze, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, and seasonal Viva Aerobus service at CMH, plus Allegiant at LCK. These airlines use different pricing models, so the cheapest advertised fare may not remain the cheapest after optional charges.
Frontier and Breeze include a personal item with their basic fares, while carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat assignments may cost extra. Allegiant also sells many services separately. Southwest’s policies changed in 2026: bag fees apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares, while Choice Extra includes two free checked bags. Southwest Basic is also more restrictive than the airline’s higher fare types.
Before booking, compare the final checkout price for the same travel dates. Include baggage, seats, boarding benefits, flexibility, and transportation costs to CMH or LCK.
Full-Service Airlines and Premium Cabin Options
American, Delta, United, Alaska, and Air Canada offer traditional network-airline service from CMH. Depending on the route and aircraft, travelers may be able to buy first class, business class, extra-legroom seating, priority boarding, or other premium options. Short regional flights may have fewer cabin choices than longer mainline flights.
CMH does not list a Delta Sky Club. The airport’s primary public lounge is the Escape Lounge in Concourse B, which is open to eligible guests regardless of airline. Access rules and operating hours can change, so confirm them before relying on the lounge for a trip.
Flight Frequency and Schedules from Columbus
Major hub routes often have several departures per day, while leisure and seasonal routes may operate only a few times per week. Airlines adjust schedules for demand, aircraft availability, holidays, and seasonal travel patterns. This is why a static article should not promise a precise number of daily or monthly flights.
Use the official CMH flight-status page for same-day arrivals and departures. For future trips, check the airline’s booking calendar and the official nonstop-destination map.
CMH Terminal Layout, Amenities, and Services
CMH has one terminal with three concourses. Southwest normally uses Concourse A. American and United use Concourse B. Air Canada, Alaska, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, and Sun Country use Concourse C. Vacation Express and Viva Aerobus are also listed in Concourse C. Always use the boarding pass and airport displays as the final authority.
Airport amenities include public Wi-Fi, power outlets, water-bottle filling stations, nursing rooms, an interfaith meditation room, a pet-relief area, dining, shops, and the Escape Lounge. Airline apps can provide mobile boarding passes, flight alerts, gate changes, and baggage updates.
The airport recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and two hours before an international departure. Allow extra time during holidays, severe weather, construction, or when checking bags.
New Terminal Construction
CMH broke ground on a new terminal in December 2024. The project is planned to include 36 gates, a consolidated TSA checkpoint, expanded dining and shopping, and a central market with airfield views. The airport expects the new terminal to open in early 2029. Road and parking patterns may change while construction continues.
Note: Check current parking and roadway alerts before driving to CMH. Construction changes may affect the route to parking lots, pickup areas, or the terminal curb.
How to Find the Best Flight Deal from Columbus
- Search both CMH and LCK. Allegiant fares will not appear when you search only CMH.
- Compare nearby dates. Midweek flights or off-peak departures may cost less than Friday or Sunday travel.
- Compare total trip cost. Add baggage, seats, fare flexibility, parking, rideshare, and airport transportation.
- Check nonstop and connecting options. A nonstop may save hours, while a connection may produce a lower fare or a better schedule.
- Book through the airline when practical. Direct booking can make schedule changes, credits, and support easier to manage.
- Set fare alerts. Track the route for several days or weeks rather than relying on one search.
- Review the airport code before paying. Confirm CMH versus LCK and make sure every traveler understands the correct departure airport.
Booking early can help on holidays and limited-frequency routes, but there is no universal day or number of weeks that guarantees the lowest price. Fares change according to demand and inventory.
Traveling with Mobility Devices and Outdoor Gear
Passengers using a wheelchair or travel scooter should contact the airline before departure to discuss battery type, dimensions, loading procedures, and assistance. For general product-planning information, see this guide to choosing a travel scooter. Airport wheelchair assistance should be requested through the airline in advance when possible.
A durable hiking backpack may be accepted as a carry-on only when it fits the airline’s size limits; otherwise, it may need to be checked. Camping stoves require special care. The TSA allows a camp stove in carry-on or checked baggage only when it is empty of fuel and cleaned so no fuel vapors or residue remain. Fuel canisters are not permitted.
Warning: Never pack fuel, a used fuel canister, or a stove that still smells of fuel. Check both TSA and airline rules before traveling with camping equipment, lithium batteries, or mobility devices.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Airlines Operating in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus travelers have a broad mix of network, low-cost, domestic, and seasonal international service. CMH handles most passenger flights, while Allegiant uses LCK. The most important planning step is to verify the airline, airport code, route season, baggage rules, and operating date before booking.
Because Columbus air service is changing quickly, older airline lists can be misleading. Spirit is no longer operating, JetBlue’s return is scheduled for November 2026, and new 2027 routes have been announced. Use the live Fly Columbus and airline pages for the final schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines currently fly out of John Glenn Columbus International Airport?
CMH currently lists Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and seasonal Vacation Express/Viva Aerobus service. Spirit ceased operations in May 2026. JetBlue is scheduled to return in November 2026.
Does Allegiant fly from CMH?
No. Allegiant uses the Rickenbacker International Airport passenger terminal, airport code LCK. It is a separate airport from CMH, so confirm the address before departure.
Which destinations can I fly to nonstop from Columbus?
Nonstop routes include major cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington, D.C., plus many seasonal leisure destinations. Use the official route map because operating days and seasons change.
Can I fly internationally from Columbus?
Yes. Current nonstop international service includes Toronto, seasonal Montreal, and seasonal Cancun. Punta Cana service is scheduled to begin in January 2027. Other international trips require a connection.
Are there low-cost airlines in Columbus?
Yes. Breeze, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, and Viva Aerobus provide low-cost or leisure-focused options at CMH, while Allegiant operates at LCK. Compare the final price after bags, seats, and other extras.
How early should I arrive at CMH?
Fly Columbus recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight. Add time for checked baggage, holidays, construction, or unusually long security lines.
Sources
- Fly Columbus: Airlines — current carriers, airport assignments, concourses, and the Spirit Airlines update.
- Fly Columbus: Nonstop Flights — current route map and downloadable destination chart.
- Fly Columbus: Prepare for Your Flight — concourse guidance and the CMH/LCK distinction.
- Fly Columbus: Security — airport arrival-time guidance and checkpoint information.
- Fly Columbus: Dining, Shopping, and Amenities — lounge, Wi-Fi, power, nursing rooms, and other terminal services.
- Transportation Security Administration: What Can I Bring? — rules for camp stoves, hiking gear, batteries, and mobility devices.
