COLUMBUS Travelers who frequently fly out of John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) are about to lose a favorite parking option. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority has officially confirmed that the popular Walking Lot will close its gates for good on May 4, 2026.
This move marks one of the first major physical changes on the airport grounds as part of the massive $2 billion “CMH Next” project, which aims to replace the current terminal with a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility.
The decision to shut down the lot comes down to a need for space. The land currently occupied by the Walking Lot at 4370 International Gateway is the designated site for a new public safety building. This new facility is a cornerstone of the airport’s expansion plan and will eventually house a modern communications center, administrative offices, and specialized training areas for emergency responders.
While the closure is necessary for the airport’s future, officials admit it might be a frustrating change for the many loyal passengers who preferred the $16-a-day lot for its simple, no-shuttle-needed access to the terminal.
With the closure just weeks away, airport authorities are urging travelers to start thinking about their alternative parking plans now. Those who want to stay close to the terminal will likely need to shift to the more expensive parking garage or utilize the valet service. For travelers keeping an eye on their budget, the long-term Red and Green shuttle lots will remain the primary options. To help ease the transition, airport representatives noted that the broader expansion plan includes a new parking garage with over 500 spaces, which will eventually connect directly to the new terminal via a pedestrian bridge.
The permanent removal of the Walking Lot is a clear signal that the long-awaited terminal project is finally moving from the planning stages to reality. The new terminal, which is expected to span nearly one million square feet, is scheduled to open in 2029.
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It is being built to handle the massive influx of people moving to Central Ohio and to ensure that Columbus remains a competitive hub for air travel. As May 4 approaches, anyone flying out of CMH should plan for extra time to navigate the changing parking landscape and check the airport’s website for real-time availability before leaving home.