By 1808Delaware
Area travelers will have more direct ways to trade snow boots for sandals in 2026. A slate of new nonstop routes from John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport leans heavily into warm weather getaways, reflecting where many Ohioans head when winter settles in.
Frontier Airlines begins nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale on March 8, opening a quick path to South Florida’s beaches and cruise ports. Southwest Airlines will operate seasonal weekend flights to Panama City Beach during spring break and peak summer, bringing the Gulf Coast’s white sand within easy reach for families.
Allegiant Air adds a dose of island flavor on May 21 with twice weekly flights to Key West. The southernmost city in the continental United States, known for its sunsets and relaxed pace, suddenly becomes a realistic long weekend option.
Northbound and Westbound Connections
Not every new route points toward the sun. Air Canada launches daily seasonal flights to Montreal on May 1, offering Columbus passengers a direct connection to one of North America’s most dynamic cultural centers. For many travelers, Montreal also serves as a convenient gateway to Europe through Air Canada’s broader network.
Delta Air Lines will introduce daily nonstop service to Austin beginning June 7. The Texas capital, with its mix of outdoor spaces, music venues, and technology employers, has grown into a popular destination for both business and leisure travel.
A Long-Awaited Link to Los Angeles
The most notable addition may be United Airlines’ new daily nonstop to Los Angeles International Airport, beginning March 29. The flight will depart Columbus at 7:25 AM, with the return leaving Los Angeles at 11:00 AM.
“As our largest underserved destination, additional service to Los Angeles was a top priority as business ties between the two areas continue to grow,” said Betsy Taylor, manager of passenger airline business development for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “We appreciate United Airlines recognizing this demand and connecting us directly to the West Coast destinations we care about.”
A nonstop link to Los Angeles has long been on local wish lists, particularly for travelers connected to the film, technology, and entertainment industries.
What This Means for Central Ohio Travelers
With more than 130 flights departing daily from CMH and LCK, the new routes add both variety and convenience. For years, many Columbus passengers relied on connections through larger hubs to reach these destinations. Each new nonstop reduces travel time, lowers the risk of missed connections, and makes quick trips more practical.
Airport officials view the expansion as a sign that airlines are paying attention to central Ohio’s growth in population, business activity, and tourism potential. For travelers, it simply means more options on the departures board and fewer hours spent waiting in other cities.
