By 1812Blockhouse
Travel options for Richland Countians were expanded again this past week with an announcement by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is expanding its horizons with the addition of two new nonstop destinations. Starting next summer, Southwest Airlines will offer weekly services to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI). This is a significant development for Columbus travelers, as both cities rank among their top travel destinations.
A Win for Travel and Tourism
Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, expressed gratitude towards Southwest Airlines for this new initiative. “Two of the largest unserved destinations for Columbus travelers will now be served nonstop thanks to Southwest Airlines’ new flights to San Diego and Kansas City,” he said. This move is expected to boost travel and tourism, providing Columbus residents with more options for leisure and business trips. Flights are already available for booking on Southwest.com.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The addition of these two cities brings the total number of nonstop destinations offered by airlines operating out of CMH and the Rickenbacker Passenger Terminal (LCK) to 53. This marks the highest number of destinations ever available to Columbus travelers. The expansion comes on the heels of a record-breaking month for the Columbus airports. Last month, the number of passengers flying out of CMH and LCK surpassed the previous record set for September enplanements, making it the best September on record since 2019.
A Positive Trend in Air Travel
Data shows that departing passenger traffic at CMH and LCK was 2% higher than the previous record set for September in 2019. Year-to-date traffic for both airports is at 97% of 2019 levels, with an 11% increase over the same time period in 2022. This upward trend in passenger air travel is expected to continue into the fall and winter, further solidifying the airports’ standing in the region.
Plan Your Next Adventure
For those looking to explore the new destinations or any of the 53 nonstop options, all the information is available on FlyColumbus.com. Whether it’s a business trip to Kansas City or a leisurely vacation in San Diego, Columbus travelers now have more choices than ever.
