The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) operates as an independent government entity established under the Ohio Revised Code to manage three aviation facilities serving Central Ohio. CRAA oversees John Glenn Columbus International Airport, the region's primary passenger hub serving 53 nonstop destinations with 11 airlines; Rickenbacker International Airport, a dedicated cargo and logistics facility; and Bolton Field, which supports corporate and recreational general aviation. The Authority also administers Foreign-Trade Zone 138 across 25 counties, facilitating customs-efficient international trade.
Established in 2003 through the merger of the Columbus Airport Authority and Rickenbacker Port Authority, CRAA serves as a vital economic engine for the region. The organization supports nearly 30,000 jobs and generates $2.7 billion in regional economic activity. With record passenger numbers reaching 8.9 million in 2024, CRAA is undertaking a $2 billion terminal modernization project at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, scheduled for completion in 2029. The Authority is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the City of Columbus and Franklin County, ensuring strategic oversight of operations, infrastructure development, and community connectivity.