Port Columbus has Amsterdam in its sights as its first potential direct flight to a European destination.
Officials are hoping the airport will be selected by Northwest Airlines for one of three new European routes the carrier could announce as soon as October, said David Whitaker, business-development chief for the airport.
"Our pitch is that we have over 300 passengers per day, each way, traveling to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India," Whitaker said.
Though airport figures show only 28 passengers travel daily in each direction between central Ohio and the Netherlands' capital, Whitaker said, Amsterdam's status as a major gateway for other international flights would make it an attractive option for travelers here. London is the top market from central Ohio, with 99 daily passengers in each direction, followed by Frankfurt, Germany, with 42, and Paris with 33.
A Northwest spokesman did not return a call seeking additional information on its plans for new international service.
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