Since its opening in 1929, Port Columbus has been on the leading edge of the air transportation industry. Follow our journey step by step, as we evolved from humble beginnings to become one of the premier airports in the Midwest.

1929
	Dedication of the first Transcontinental Air/Rail Service from New York was held.
1932
	Fifty-six boundary lights were installed on the field. They served, along with a two million candlepower floodlight and a revolving six million candlepower beacon light, to mark the airport at night or on cloudy days. This eventually caused the elimination of the train's part in the Transcontinental & Western Airlines air-rail service.
1935
	Foster Lane began his flying service on May 1, 1935, in the Curtiss Flying Service Hangar with a Driggs Skylark III biplane. He purchased it for $300 down, with a promise to pay the remaining balance of $1,800 sometime in the future.
1939
	There were 14 flights from Port Columbus daily. Of these flights, ten were Transcontinental and Western Airline and four were American Airlines. T.W.A. boarded an average of 21 passengers per day.
1940
	In the war foreboding days of 1940, Port Columbus was one of only 31 non-military fields in the country (and the only one in Ohio) capable of handling the military aircraft of that time. In October Curtiss-Wright Corporation leased 83 acres of airport property on behalf of the government, producing planes that made the first attack on Rabual during World War II. About 6,000 aircraft were produced at this facility during the war.
1941
	The Federal government took over operation of Port Columbus and the Civil Aeronautics Authority appropriated $1.5 million to make airport improvements, including lengthening the runways.
1942
	The Federal government assumed operation of the Curtiss-Wright plant in May and established a Naval Air Facility at Port Columbus.
1944
	Port Columbus shows a profit for the first time - $4,329.10.
1945
	World War II ends.
1946
	The U.S. Navy relinquished control of Port Columbus in March and Mayor James A. Rhodes formed a metropolitan airport commission headed by John P. Biehn with Francis A. “Jack” Bolton as Superintendent. Bolton, fresh out of the Navy, was the youngest, large-city airport manager in the country at the age of 26.
1950
	The start of the Korean War led to North American Aviation leasing the former Curtiss-Wright plant at Port Columbus, employing 18,000. The U.S. remained involved until the war ended in mid-1953.
1952
	Larger airplanes are able to land at Port Columbus after the east-west runway, today known as the south runway, was extended from 4,500 to 8,000 feet with parallel taxiways.
1953
	To be better positioned for future growth, the decision was made to move Port Columbus operations from the original Fifth Avenue terminal to a site more centrally located on airport property. In preparation for this move, construction began on a new 10-story control tower located in the middle of airport property. This control tower operated for 50 years until a new tower opened in 2004.
1954
	The Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds performed at a July air show celebrating Port Columbus’ 25th anniversary.
1958
	An estimated 130,000 people attended celebration and dedication activities September 21 for Port Columbus’ $12 million upgrade including a new terminal building. Passengers boarded Piedmont Airlines Flight 90 bound for Parkersburg, West Va. in a DC-3. At this time, Port Columbus ranked as the nation’s 16th busiest airport.
1961
	Trans World Airlines inaugurated the first full jet service at Port Columbus in September utilizing Convair 880 aircraft.
1964
	Beginning and ending her historic flight at Port Columbus, Bexley housewife Jerrie Mock completed in 29.5 days the first round-the-world solo flight by a woman on April 17.
1965
	Following the establishment of a U.S. Customs facility, the airport became known as Port Columbus International Airport.
1970
	Long-time Port Columbus Superintendent Francis “Jack” Bolton was honored posthumously October 24 when the City dedicated Bolton Field Airport in southwest Columbus. Bolton was constructed to handle general aviation, such as personal aircraft, business aviation and banner towing to allow Port Columbus focus on commercial traffic.
1972
	The City received a grant from the State of Ohio for the installation of a non-directional beacon, approach lights, visual approach slope indicators, and runway end identification lights at Bolton Field. The installation was completed during the year and the navigational aids improved the utility and reliability of the airport by enabling it to accept instrument operations.
1979
	A $70 million airport face-lift made the old Port Columbus into a "model of passenger convenience." Port Columbus now had the capacity to land almost 250 flights every day, while passengers could deplane through fully enclosed "jetways" at every gate. The 50th year of operation was marked by a gala "Golden Anniversary" program with an air show held on July 8 and 9. The theme of the show was "Progress: Past and Future."
1989
	17th Avenue was renamed International Gateway coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of Port Columbus International Airport. Later this same year a new, 7-gate $15.5 million concourse built by US Airways opened. This area is now commonly referred to as Concourse A.
1991
	Operation of Port Columbus International Airport was transferred to the Columbus Municipal Airport Authority from the City of Columbus to provide greater latitude and more focused attention to the business of aviation.
1994
	A groundbreaking was held for the new four-gate North Concourse Expansion project.
1995
	A dedication ceremony was held for the new North Concourse, also known as Concourse C.
1996
	Concourse C opened at Port Columbus with four gates to be used by Delta and Southwest airlines.
1997
	The North Runway extension was completed and dedicated. The runway was extended from 6,000 feet to 8,000 feet in length. The $20 million project expanded the airport's capacity for increased aircraft operations.
1998
	Groundbreaking was held for the $92 million six-level parking garage, rental car, roadway, and terminal access project. A $25 million terminal renovation project was also completed. Retail shops, flight information displays, enhanced lighting, upgraded flooring, and a new food court were all part of the renovation.
1999
	The first phase of the North Airfield Development project was completed. This included the extension of Bridgeway Avenue, new hangars and office space for Executive Jet Aviation (later renamed Net Jets), as well as associated taxiway connections to the north runway.
2000
	The new $92 million parking garage was completed. With underground terminal entrance, new rental car facilities, dedicated ground transportation area, improved eight-lane terminal access on two levels, and a new atrium and entrances for the terminal, the project was deemed a huge success.
2001
	Trans World Airlines, the successor of Port Columbus’ original airline TAT, ended 72 years of continuous service December 1. American Airlines took over TWA operations the following day.
2002
	The Authority plans the largest capital program in airport history for a new terminal building and significant infrastructure enhancements, many related to the terminal itself.
2003
	In late 2002, the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Columbus Airport Authority approved the merger of the Columbus Airport Authority and Rickenbacker Port Authority, forming the new Columbus Regional Airport Authority effective January 1, 2003.
2004
	A new state-of-the-art Airport Traffic Control Tower was dedicated shortly after directing its first aircraft on April 25 at 12 a.m. The new tower extends 21 stories and 195 feet above the ground, allowing for twice the work space as the old tower, as well as improved visibility and the latest in communications, computer and radar consoles. 2004 marked the 75th anniversary of Port Columbus, and with it the Airport Authority celebrated the long and respected history of aviation in Central Ohio. Events surrounding the airport's 75th anniversary included an employee event, a private reception and a public celebration at the original TAT hangar with vintage aircraft and historical displays; a historical postcard and commemorative, hand-stamped U.S. Postal Service cancellation station and the sealing of a 2004 time capsule along with the original 1929, 1958 and 1982 time capsules, all to be opened at the 100th anniversary celebration.