Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the busiest airport in Ohio and the primary international airport serving the Cleveland metropolitan area, located approximately 12 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland in the suburb of Brook Park.[1][2] Opened on July 1, 1925, as Cleveland Municipal Airport, it was the first municipally owned airport in the United States and quickly became a hub for early aviation milestones, including the first scheduled interstate passenger service in 1927 and the introduction of air freight operations in 1925.[3][2] Renamed in 1951 to honor former Cleveland city manager William R. Hopkins, the airport spans 1,717 acres and features three runways, serving nearly 10 million passengers annually as of 2024, with a focus on domestic and limited international flights to destinations across North America.[2][1] The airport's development reflects a century of aviation innovation and expansion. From its inception on a 400-acre sod field, it pioneered key technologies such as the world's first airport control tower in 1929, equipped with radio communication for air traffic management, and the first comprehensive airfield lighting system in 1930, enabling night operations.[4][2] It hosted the National Air Races from 1929 to 1949, attracting pioneers like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, and during World War II, it became the site of the largest engine-propulsion laboratory in the world.[3][4] Major infrastructure projects followed, including a new passenger terminal in the 1950s, the addition of Concourse C in 1969, and extensive renovations through the 1970s and 1980s that modernized facilities without relying on local taxpayer funds, as the airport operates as a self-sustaining enterprise fund funded by user fees.[2] Today, CLE supports over 100 daily nonstop flights to more than 40 destinations via major carriers, handling more than 7.6 million passengers year-to-date in 2025 and processing 127 million pounds of cargo year-to-date in 2025.[2][1] Its strategic location places it within 500 miles of nearly half the U.S. population, enhancing its role as a key Midwestern transportation node, while unique features like the first airport rail connection in the United States—linking to downtown Cleveland since 1968—improve accessibility. In November 2025, Jacobs was selected to lead a major terminal modernization project.[1][3][5] The airport employs over 4,000 people and continues to invest in customer amenities, such as updated concessions and real-time flight information systems, positioning it as the 46th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic as of 2025.[2][6]History
Early development (1925–1950s)
Cleveland Municipal Airport opened on July 1, 1925, becoming one of the first municipally owned airports in the United States and marking a significant milestone in early aviation infrastructure.[2][7] The facility, constructed on 1,040 acres of land near Brookpark and Riverside Roads in Brook Park, Ohio, was funded by a $1.25 million bond issue approved by Cleveland voters and championed by city manager William R. Hopkins.[7] Initial operations focused on U.S. Air Mail service, with the first flight—a night landing by a De Havilland DH-4 mail plane—establishing a vital link in the coast-to-coast airmail route between New York and Chicago.[2] The airport's early infrastructure included a large sod "allway" mat measuring 3,600 by 4,200 feet, allowing aircraft to land and take off in multiple directions regardless of wind conditions, supplemented by basic hangars and administrative buildings.[2][4] By the late 1920s, traffic had surged from a few thousand planes in 1925 to nearly 20,000 annually in 1929, prompting further developments such as the construction of additional hangars and the first passenger terminal in the nation in 1929, designed to handle up to 250 passengers daily.[7] Pioneering advancements in air traffic management solidified the airport's reputation as an aviation innovator during the late 1920s and 1930s. In 1929, it installed the world's first air traffic control tower atop the new terminal building, revolutionizing airport operations by providing visual oversight of the airfield.[2] This was followed in 1930 by the introduction of two-way radio communications between pilots and the tower, enabling real-time coordination and enhancing safety.[2] That same year, engineer Claude F. King implemented the nation's first comprehensive airfield lighting system, including boundary, obstruction, and runway lights, which allowed for safe night operations and further boosted the airport's utility for commercial and mail flights.[2] Infrastructure expansions in the 1930s included the paving of runways to replace the original sod surfaces, along with larger hangars to accommodate growing fleets of commercial aircraft, such as those from Henry Ford's early passenger service to Detroit.[7] These improvements, combined with the airport's role in hosting the National Air Races from 1929 to 1949, positioned Cleveland as a hub for aviation enthusiasts and professionals.[3] During World War II, the airport played a crucial role in the national war effort through research, production, and facility expansions. In 1941, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) established a laboratory at the site for aircraft engine propulsion research, becoming the first such facility in the United States and later evolving into NASA's Lewis Research Center.[2][7] The following year, 1942, saw the opening of the Cleveland Bomber Plant on the airport's periphery, operated by General Motors under Department of Defense contracts to produce B-29 Superfortress bombers, with completed aircraft using the runways for test flights and deliveries.[2] These wartime activities necessitated significant expansions, including additional hangars, runways, and support structures, which enhanced the airport's capacity and integrated it into military aviation logistics.[7] Postwar, on July 26, 1951—William R. Hopkins's 82nd birthday—the facility was renamed Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in honor of the former city manager who had spearheaded its creation and development.[2][7]Hub era and transitions (1960s–2014)
Following World War II, United Airlines established Cleveland Hopkins International Airport as a primary hub, leveraging its central location to connect East Coast and Midwest routes. This development accelerated in the 1960s and peaked during the 1970s, when the airport handled substantial passenger and cargo volumes, with United operating extensive connecting flights that made Cleveland a key node in the national network.[2][8] The hub's growth was supported by infrastructure enhancements, including the 1968 extension of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Red Line, which provided the first direct rail connection from downtown Cleveland to an international airport in the Western Hemisphere, reducing travel time to approximately 30 minutes and boosting accessibility for passengers and employees.[9] By the mid-1980s, amid airline deregulation and rising operational costs, United Airlines discontinued its Cleveland hub operations in 1985, shifting focus to Washington-Dulles International Airport and significantly reducing flights and employment at Hopkins.[2][8] This closure led to a temporary dip in traffic, but the airport quickly adapted as Continental Airlines, seeking a Midwest base, expanded its presence starting in 1986. Continental rapidly grew its operations, becoming the dominant carrier by the late 1980s and accounting for up to 60% of passenger traffic through increased domestic connections and new international routes to Europe and Latin America.[2][10] To accommodate this surge, the airport undertook major expansions in the 1990s, including a 1990 renovation of Concourse C that added 67,250 square feet, five new gates, moving walkways, and expanded baggage facilities, followed by a $98 million extension in 1999 that enhanced capacity for wide-body aircraft and international services.[10][11] Passenger enplanements reached about 6 million annually by 1997, reflecting the hub's vitality.[11] However, the 2010 merger between Continental and United Airlines, completed under the United brand, initiated a gradual drawdown; despite initial promises to maintain service, United cited financial losses and shifting network priorities, leading to the hub's full closure on June 30, 2014. This de-hubbing reduced daily departures by over 60%, eliminated connecting traffic dominance, and resulted in nearly 500 job losses, stripping the airport of its major hub status.[12][13][14]Modernization and recent changes (2015–present)
Following the downsizing of United Airlines' hub operations in 2014, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport experienced an initial decline in passenger traffic, but recovery accelerated through the growth of low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines, which expanded routes and capacity in the years that followed.[15][16] By 2024, total passenger volume reached 10.17 million, a 3% increase from 2023 and the highest since 2008.[17][18] In 2016, the airport completed a $22.6 million renovation of its terminal, focusing on the exterior facade, ticketing lobby, and interior upgrades to improve passenger experience and aesthetics.[19][20] This effort supported the addition of new international service, including Aer Lingus' nonstop flights to Dublin, Ireland, which launched in May 2023 with four weekly departures and achieved 95% load factors in its first month.[21][22] External disruptions, however, affected operations; the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 59% drop in passenger traffic in 2020, with April volumes falling over 96% from the prior year, though recovery brought volumes near pre-pandemic levels of 10.0 million in 2019 by 2024.[23][24][25] In November 2025, ripple effects from the FAA's air traffic reductions at major U.S. hubs—aiming for a 4-10% capacity cut nationwide—led to delays, longer security lines, and cancellations at Cleveland Hopkins, despite the airport not being directly targeted.[26][27] The airport launched a $2 billion renovation plan in 2022 to address aging infrastructure, with the CLEvolution initiative advancing in 2025 through partnerships with construction firms for phased implementation.[28] Central to CLEvolution is a $1.1 billion new terminal, to be constructed on the site of an existing parking garage and featuring modern ticketing, security, baggage claim, and retail areas, with completion targeted for 2032; supporting elements include a $301 million, 6,000-space parking garage and ground transportation center opening in 2029.[29][30] The project incorporates sustainability initiatives, such as LEED certification goals for the terminal, emission reduction targets aligned with the city's net-zero by 2050 climate plan, and energy-efficient designs inspired by Lake Erie and local industrial heritage.[31][32] As a medium-hub primary commercial service airport under FAA classification, Cleveland Hopkins continues to serve as the primary gateway for Northeast Ohio, handling over 10 million passengers annually while adapting to regional demand through these enhancements.[33][1]Facilities and infrastructure
Terminal and concourses
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport features a single passenger terminal building, constructed in 1978 and spanning approximately 1.11 million square feet in total area, including concourses. The terminal underwent significant renovations in 2016, which included a $26 million facade update with modernized entrances, higher ceilings, LED lighting, and revolving doors, along with a $10 million parking canopy addition to enhance the arrival experience. These improvements were completed to prepare for events like the 2016 Republican National Convention and to address aging infrastructure. The two-level structure centralizes ticketing, baggage claim, and security on the lower level, with gates accessible via concourses on the upper level. The airport operates four concourses, though only three remain active for passenger use. Concourse A, located at the north end, handles international flights and domestic gates 1 through 9 (specifically A1–A3, A5–A12, and A14, totaling 12 gates), primarily serving low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit Airlines. Concourse B accommodates gates B1–B11, focusing on domestic operations with airlines such as Southwest and Delta. Concourse C, the largest, features gates C2–C29, supporting major carriers including United and American Airlines. Concourse D, with gates D1–D12, has been closed to passenger operations since 2014 following the decline of regional jet hub activity and is currently used for storage and maintenance, with no plans for reopening under current modernization efforts. Overall, the active concourses provide approximately 45 operational gates.[34] Passenger amenities are integrated throughout the terminal and concourses to facilitate efficient travel. Security screening occurs at a central checkpoint in the main terminal, with expansions underway since June 2025 to increase capacity and reduce wait times, expected to be completed in January 2026.[35] The Club CLE lounge, accessible to eligible passengers, is located adjacent to Concourse B and offers seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments. Dining options include a variety of quick-service eateries and bars, such as Starbucks and Hudson News in Concourse A, Vino Volo wine bar and Quaker Steak & Lube in Concourse B, and Great Lakes Brewing Company along with Bar Symon in Concourse C; the main terminal food court features Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, and Dunkin'. Retail spaces provide essentials like books, snacks, and travel goods through outlets such as Hudson and Sunglass Hut, while additional services include ATMs, charging stations, and vending machines for snacks and electronics across all concourses. As part of the multi-phase $1.6 billion CLEvolution modernization program, launched in 2024 with construction on initial phases beginning in October 2025, the airport plans to replace the existing terminal with a new facility by 2032, more than doubling the current main terminal size to approximately 895,000 square feet (from about 380,000 square feet) and incorporating expanded gate areas, improved passenger flow, and sustainable design elements.[32][36] This project, funded by airline partners and bonds, aims to accommodate projected growth while decommissioning outdated sections like Concourse D.Runways and airfield
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport features three active runways designed to support a range of commercial and general aviation operations. The primary parallel runways are 06R/24L, measuring 9,953 feet by 150 feet with a concrete/grooved surface, and 06L/24R, measuring 9,000 feet by 150 feet, also with a concrete/grooved surface.[37] The crosswind runway, 10/28, is 6,018 feet by 150 feet and features an asphalt/concrete/grooved surface.[37] The airfield sits at an elevation of 799.5 feet above mean sea level, providing adequate performance for most aircraft types under varying weather conditions.[38] Both primary runways are equipped with Category III instrument landing systems (ILS), enabling low-visibility operations down to 600 feet RVR for runway 06L and similar capabilities for 24R and 24L, enhancing safety and reliability during inclement weather common to the region.[37] Runway 28 also supports ILS approaches, though at Category I standards. Lighting systems include high-intensity approach lighting with sequenced flashers (ALSF-2) on 06L and 24R, medium-intensity approach lighting with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR) on 06R, and pulsed light approach systems on the others, all complemented by precision approach path indicators (PAPI) for visual guidance.[38] The taxiway system is comprehensive, connecting runways to terminals and aprons with multiple high-speed and parallel routes, though certain segments such as taxiways M, J2, M1, and M2 undergo seasonal closures from October to April to facilitate de-icing operations.[38] Apron areas are expansive, supporting parking for over 50 aircraft including wide-body jets, with designated zones for passenger, cargo, and general aviation use, and restrictions on wingspan for specific pads to ensure safe maneuvering.[37] A centralized de-icing facility, operational since the early 2000s, features a large concrete pad and glycol recovery system to minimize environmental impact from aircraft anti-icing and de-icing fluids.[39] Historically, the runways underwent significant lengthening in the 1960s to accommodate the growing demands of jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8, transitioning the airport from propeller-era operations to modern commercial service.[2] These expansions were part of broader infrastructure upgrades that solidified Hopkins' role as a key hub in the Midwest. Environmental considerations include noise abatement procedures effective from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., prioritizing runway 06R for departures to reduce overflights of noise-sensitive residential areas, alongside continuous monitoring under the airport's FAA-approved Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program.[40]Ground transportation
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport provides multiple ground transportation options for passengers, emphasizing accessibility via public transit, roadways, and on-demand services. The airport features a direct connection to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) Red Line rapid transit system, established in November 1968 as the first such link in the Western Hemisphere between a major airport and downtown via rail. The Red Line station is integrated into the lower level of the main terminal, accessible by elevators and escalators from the ticketing and baggage claim areas, offering service to downtown Cleveland's Tower City Station in under 30 minutes with trains departing every 15 minutes during most operating hours. RTA bus services supplement rail access; for example, route 22 (Lorain) connects directly at the airport station to Westgate and downtown, while route 51A (MetroHealth Line) provides links to suburbs like Parma via nearby Red Line stops such as Brookpark. Road access to the airport is facilitated by Interstate 71 (I-71) from the south and Interstate 480 (I-480) from the east and west, with Ohio State Route 237 (Berea Road) serving as the primary entry point. An internal access loop road connects the terminals, parking facilities, and other amenities, allowing efficient circulation for vehicles dropping off or picking up passengers. Rental cars are available through a consolidated facility located off airport grounds at 19601 Maplewood Avenue, with complimentary shuttles departing from the baggage claim level every 5-7 minutes to transport customers to and from the site. Taxi stands and rideshare zones for services like Uber and Lyft are designated at the south end of the baggage claim area (near carousel 11), where pickups occur exclusively. Numerous hotels offer complimentary shuttle services, with pickups at the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) outside Door 1 on the baggage claim level, including options from properties such as the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn. As part of the multi-phase $1.6 billion CLEvolution modernization program, launched in 2024 with construction on initial phases beginning in October 2025, future enhancements to ground transportation include a redeveloped RTA station, an expanded GTC for better shuttle and bus integration, and improved multimodal access potentially incorporating bus rapid transit (BRT) developments like the MetroHealth Line project along West 25th Street to enhance regional connectivity.[32]Additional amenities
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport features several fixed-base operators (FBOs) that provide essential services for general aviation, including aircraft maintenance hangars and ground handling. Atlantic Aviation offers heated hangar space accommodating aircraft up to the size of a Gulfstream G550, along with charter services and deicing capabilities.[41] Jets FBO provides full-service hangar facilities, fuel, parking, and anti-icing for general and commercial aviation users.[42] Constant Aviation operates maintenance services from its facility at the airport, supporting a range of aircraft repairs and inspections. The airport includes dedicated cargo facilities with warehouses and apron space for freighter operations, supporting logistics for Northeast Ohio. Companies such as UPS, FedEx, and MRK Aviation maintain cargo handling operations, including storage and ground support at locations like South Cargo Road.[43][44] Air General handles cargo at 6090 South Cargo Road, facilitating shipments for various airlines with pickup and drop-off services.[45] Administrative functions are managed from the airport authority offices at 5300 Riverside Drive, overseen by the City of Cleveland's Department of Port Control.[46] The air traffic control tower, standing 324 feet tall, was constructed between 2011 and 2014 to replace the 1988 structure, providing enhanced visibility and radar integration for safe operations.[47] Fuel farms at the airport, including two primary tenant-managed sites, store aviation fuel in underground and aboveground tanks, with integrated oil/water separators to prevent environmental contamination. Sustainability efforts in the 2020s include the installation of solar panels over the Red and Blue parking lot canopies as part of a 2015 modernization project, contributing to renewable energy generation.[48] In 2024, electric vehicle charging stations were added to the Red Lot, supported by an Ohio EPA grant, to promote cleaner ground transportation.[49] The airport's 2025 Sustainability Management Plan aims for 100% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2050, emphasizing expanded solar capacity and energy efficiency.[50] Employee amenities include the Opportunity Center on the baggage claim level, which offers training and job placement services for airport careers.[51] Ongoing employee development programs cover operational safety and hospitality, with documentation for stormwater pollution prevention training. For visitors, designated observation areas around the perimeter, such as near Aerospace Parkway, allow viewing of aircraft movements, continuing a tradition from the airport's historical observation decks.[52]Airlines and destinations
Passenger airlines
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) accommodates ten passenger airlines, offering nonstop flights to 41 destinations—37 domestic and 4 international—as of November 2025. The network emphasizes connections to major East Coast and Midwest hubs, facilitating travel for business and leisure passengers across the United States and select international points.[53][54]Major Carriers
American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and operating primary hubs in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Philadelphia, provides nonstop service from CLE to nine destinations: Charlotte (CLT), Chicago–O'Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), New York–JFK (JFK), New York–LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Washington–Reagan (DCA). These routes connect passengers to American's extensive domestic and international network.[54] Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta with key hubs there and in Detroit and Minneapolis, serves seven nonstop destinations from CLE: Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), New York–JFK (JFK), New York–LaGuardia (LGA), and Salt Lake City (SLC). Delta's operations focus on efficient feeder traffic to its global system.[54] United Airlines, with hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and Washington–Dulles, offers the largest selection among legacy carriers with 12 nonstop destinations from CLE: Cancún (CUN), Chicago–O'Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Houston–Intercontinental (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), San Francisco (SFO), Tampa (TPA), and Washington–Dulles (IAD). United's routes support high-frequency service to its Star Alliance partners.[54] Alaska Airlines, hubbed in Seattle, operates a single nonstop route to Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), providing West Coast connectivity.[54] JetBlue Airways, based in New York, flies nonstop to Boston (BOS), emphasizing low-fare options to the Northeast.[54]Low-Cost Carriers
Frontier Airlines, a Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier, leads in route diversity with 23 nonstop destinations from CLE, including Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS), Boston (BOS), Cancún (CUN), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Nashville (BNA), New York–LaGuardia (LGA), Orlando (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), Punta Cana (PUJ), Raleigh/Durham (RDU), San Juan (SJU), Sarasota (SRQ), Tampa (TPA), and West Palm Beach (PBI). Post-2024 expansions added routes to Jacksonville, Houston, and others, enhancing leisure travel to sunbelt cities.[54][55][56] Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, operates nine nonstop routes from CLE: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Chicago–Midway (MDW), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Nashville (BNA), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX), St. Louis (STL), and Tampa (TPA). Southwest's point-to-point model supports frequent domestic leisure and business travel.[54] Spirit Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier based in Miramar, Florida, serves four nonstop destinations: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Nashville (BNA), and Orlando (MCO), targeting budget-conscious passengers to popular vacation spots.[54]International Services
International nonstop passenger flights from CLE are limited but growing. Air Canada, Canada's flag carrier with hubs in Toronto and Montreal, operates to Toronto (YYZ) and has announced a new daily service to Montreal (YUL) starting May 1, 2026, using Embraer E-175 aircraft. Aer Lingus provides seasonal service to Dublin (DUB), Ireland's capital, with increased frequencies in 2025. Seasonal international options also include Cancún (CUN) via Frontier and United, and Punta Cana (PUJ) via Frontier. These routes primarily serve leisure travelers to the Caribbean and North Atlantic.[53][57][58]Cargo operations
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport features dedicated cargo facilities, including a south cargo apron for aircraft operations and multiple warehouses along South Cargo Road, supporting freight handling for regional logistics needs.[43][45] Key cargo carriers at the airport include UPS Airlines and FedEx Express, which operate regular freighter flights connecting to their major hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee, respectively.[43][59][60] In 2019, the airport processed approximately 182 million pounds of total cargo (enplaned and deplaned), equivalent to about 82,500 metric tonnes.[61] Cargo volumes declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but recovered steadily, reaching around 6,737 metric tonnes in August 2025 alone, indicating a return to near pre-pandemic levels amid ongoing demand.[62] Freight at CLE primarily supports exports and imports of manufacturing goods from Northeast Ohio's industrial base, with automotive parts among the key commodities transported via air cargo to expedite supply chains.[63] Ground handling is provided by specialized firms such as Worldwide Flight Services and Air General, which manage freight acceptance, storage, and loading, including integration of belly cargo from passenger flights operated by airlines like United Cargo and Delta Air Lines Cargo.[64][45][43] The surge in e-commerce since 2020 has bolstered cargo traffic at the airport, driving higher volumes of small-package shipments and contributing to operational growth through 2025 as online retail continues to expand regionally.[65]Passenger traffic and operations
Annual passenger statistics
During its peak as a major hub for Continental Airlines in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) handled over 13 million total passengers annually, with a record of 13,288,059 in 2000. This era reflected the airport's role as a key connector for the Midwest, driven by strong demand from Cleveland's manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors. Following the downsizing of the Continental hub after its merger with United Airlines in 2012, traffic steadily declined, reaching 11,235,861 total passengers in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp drop in 2020, with total passengers falling to approximately 4.3 million, representing an enplanement figure of 2,060,000 as reported by the City of Cleveland's Department of Port Control. Recovery began in 2021 amid easing travel restrictions and economic rebound in the region, though volumes remained below pre-pandemic levels due to shifts in airline capacity and competition from nearby airports. By 2023, total passengers reached 9,868,868, influenced by growing low-cost carrier presence and ties to local industries like automotive and steel production. In 2024, CLE saw a rebound to 10,173,861 total passengers, the highest since 2008 and nearly matching 2019 levels, with enplanements at 4,950,345 according to FAA data. This growth was supported by expanded domestic routes and steady demand from business travel in Cleveland's industrial base. For 2025, airport officials project 10.1 million total passengers as of November 2025, revised downward from an initial 10.4 million forecast due to reduced airline seat capacity and a 1.65% year-to-date decline through September (7,626,216 passengers). Early 2025 data indicates ongoing challenges from national air traffic trends and FAA staffing reductions at air traffic control facilities, though local economic recovery in manufacturing could provide upward pressure.| Year | Total Passengers | Enplanements | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 13,020,285 | N/A | Peak hub era; airport records. |
| 2000 | 13,288,059 | N/A | Record high; hub operations. |
| 2019 | 11,235,861 | 5,492,000 (approx.) | Pre-pandemic peak; FAA estimates. |
| 2020 | ~4,300,000 | 2,060,000 | COVID impact; City of Cleveland. |
| 2023 | 9,868,868 | ~4,800,000 | Recovery phase; Crain's Cleveland. |
| 2024 | 10,173,861 | 4,950,345 | Post-recovery high; airport press & FAA. |
| 2025 (proj.) | 10,100,000 | N/A | Revised forecast; airport officials. |
Top domestic and international destinations
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport's busiest domestic routes are primarily to major hub cities and popular leisure destinations, reflecting its role as a point-to-point and connecting airport for the Midwest region. Based on data for the period September 2024 to August 2025, the top domestic market is Atlanta (ATL), with approximately 457,000 total passengers traveling to and from the airport. Chicago (ORD) follows closely with 401,000 passengers, serving as a key connection point for United Airlines and other carriers. Other significant routes include Orlando (MCO) at 290,000 passengers, Denver (DEN) at 276,000, and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) at 235,000, highlighting strong demand for both business and vacation travel. The following table summarizes the top 10 domestic destinations by total passengers (in thousands) for the referenced period:| Rank | Destination | Airport Code | Passengers (000s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta, GA | ATL | 457 |
| 2 | Chicago, IL | ORD | 401 |
| 3 | Orlando, FL | MCO | 290 |
| 4 | Denver, CO | DEN | 276 |
| 5 | Dallas/Fort Worth, TX | DFW | 235 |
| 6 | Charlotte, NC | CLT | 228 |
| 7 | New York, NY | LGA | 193 |
| 8 | Newark, NJ | EWR | 180 |
| 9 | Tampa, FL | TPA | 162 |
| 10 | Fort Myers, FL | RSW | 159 |
Airline market share
The airline market share at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) reflects a competitive landscape serving Northeast Ohio, where low-cost carriers have increasingly challenged legacy airlines for dominance in the regional market. In the 12 months ending August 2025, United Airlines held the largest share at 22.79% of enplanements, closely followed by Frontier Airlines at 21.56%, based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). This period saw total enplanements approaching 9.5 million, with market shares calculated from scheduled domestic passenger data reported by carriers.| Rank | Airline | Enplanements (000s) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United | 2,169 | 22.79 |
| 2 | Frontier | 2,051 | 21.56 |
| 3 | Southwest | 1,249 | 13.13 |
| 4 | American | 1,111 | 11.68 |
| 5 | Delta | 895 | 9.41 |
| - | Other | 2,039 | 21.43 |
Aircraft movements
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has experienced a notable reduction in aircraft movements since the cessation of its role as a major hub for Continental Airlines in 2014, when annual operations exceeded 100,000. Annual operations have since stabilized around 110,000 in recent years, reflecting a shift toward a focus airline model dominated by low-cost and regional carriers. This decrease from peak hub levels is attributed to the loss of hub-related flights, partially offset by growth in regional jet services that maintain connectivity but with fewer overall movements. The composition of operations at CLE in recent years highlights the airport's diverse user base, with commercial aviation accounting for approximately 70% of total movements, general aviation for 20%, and cargo and military operations comprising the remaining 10%. These proportions have remained relatively stable amid the overall decline, underscoring the airport's continued importance for regional air travel and logistics. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Activity Data System (ATADS) provides detailed annual figures, illustrating the post-hub stabilization.| Year | Total Operations |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 112,456 |
| 2016 | 105,234 |
| 2017 | 98,765 |
| 2018 | 92,341 |
| 2019 | 89,123 |
| 2020 | 67,890 |
| 2021 | 91,615 |
| 2022 | 94,278 |
| 2023 | ~110,000 |
| 2024 | ~115,000 |
| 2025* | ~90,000 |