United Airlines has announced a new daily nonstop flight between John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, beginning March 29, 2026. The route connects Central Ohio directly to one of the country’s most influential economic markets.
Why it matters:
Air connectivity directly influences how companies experience a region. When executives, clients and teams can move efficiently between major markets, it reduces friction across everything, from company location decisions to daily operations. That ease of access increasingly separates competitive regions like Columbus from the rest.
The same connectivity plays a growing role in talent decisions, as people choose to live in regions that offer easy access to other major markets and opportunities.
Los Angeles is a critical gateway for innovation, capital, entertainment, trade and international business. United’s new daily nonstop strengthens Columbus’ ability to compete for high-value projects and talent that expect seamless connectivity to the West Coast and beyond.
Our take:
“Direct flights are critical to our economic competitiveness,” said Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership. “Nonstop routes shape where companies invest, how fast leaders can move, and whether a region can compete nationally and globally. United’s new service to Los Angeles strengthens Columbus’ position and extends the momentum built in 2025 with significant route additions. The Columbus Partnership will continue working with CRAA to win more of these opportunities ahead of the new $2 billion terminal at John Glenn International.”
The big picture:
In 2025, Columbus was ranked among the top five airports for increased scheduled flights among the 50 largest airports in the U.S.
Flights added last year include additional nonstop service to Chicago, New York, Boston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, Houston, Orlando, Miami, Washington D.C. and Toronto, among other markets. In addition to Los Angeles, 2026 will see additional direct flights to Montreal, Austin, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City, and Key West.
With this new nonstop service to Los Angeles, United now connects Columbus to each of its U.S. hubs, reinforcing the Region’s position as a place where businesses can operate efficiently across markets. And as one of the world’s busiest international airports, LAX serves as a crucial gateway to Asia-Pacific markets. This route doesn’t just connect Columbus to Los Angeles—it strengthens access to global markets critical for trade, investment and international business development.
The bottom line:
Airport infrastructure remains one of the Region’s most critical economic development assets. Capturing jobs in next-generation technology sectors, attracting talent and maintaining our position as a growth market depends on expanded air service.
