Airport wants site to build third runway. (Port Columbus International Airport eyes McDonnell Douglas Corp. property)

The next door neighbor to McDonnell Douglas Corp., Port Columbus International Airport, is eyeing a portion of the soon-to-be vacated property for a third runway.

In addition, Columbus city officials said they might want the land and the buildings the airport doesn't want.

A portion of the McDonnell Douglas land would give the airport flexibility to grow, said Larry Hedrick, Port Columbus's executive director. "We're interested in eventually building a third runway, but it hinges on capacity."

The city could use the plant's land and buildings, which are zoned for manufacturing, to redevelop -- selling or leasing portions to businesses that would tie into …