Facts & Figures

Facts & Figures

When it opened in 1925, CLE was the first municipal airport in the country. Initially, the airport served as a stop for U.S. Air Mail planes making coast-to-coast flights. It quickly grew to become a major destination for personal and commercial aircraft. CLE also led the nation in implementing new airport technology. This includes the world’s first radio-equipped air traffic control tower and the nation’s first airfield lighting system. In the 30s and 40s, the airport was a draw to anyone who was anyone in aviation, with both Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh making routine visits. Also, from 1929 until 1949, CLE was the location for the National Air Races. 

Today, CLE is Ohio’s busiest airport, serving more than 10 million passengers annually. It’s positioned within 500 miles of 43 percent of the U.S. population. And for Northeast Ohio travelers, the airport is close—just 12 miles away from downtown Cleveland. Travelers also have the option to take the rail to CLE, a connection that, when added in 1968, was another first in the country. 

CLE’s modern-day innovations focus on customer service. The new AIRMALL, FlightView Screens and communications using social media are making the airport first once again, but this time with travelers.

Passenger Volume

 

  MONTH YEAR-TO-DATE PERCENT CHANGE
  July 2024 June 2024 July 2023 YTD 2024 YTD 2023 July 24 / June 24 July 24 / July 23 YTD 2024 / YTD 2023
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 478,877 476,609 462,781 2,910,230 2,721,225 0.48% 3.48% 6.95%
Total International 14,163

17,014

12,528 85,216 70,455

-16.76%

13.05% 20.95%
ENPLANED TOTAL 493,040 493,623 475,309 2,995,446

2,791,680

-0.12% 3.73% 7.30%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 481,999 477,435 461,186 2,926,406

2,722,365

0.96% 4.51% 7.49%
Total International 16,654 16,450 13,608 86,597

71,195

1.24% 22.38% 21.63%
DEPLANED TOTAL 498,653

493,885

474,794 3,013,003

2,793,560

0.97% 5.03% 7.86%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 960,876

954,044

923,967 5,836,636

5,443,590

0.72% 3.99% 7.22%
Total International 30,817

33,464

26,136 171,813

141,650

-7.91% 17.91% 21.29%
AIRPORT TOTAL 991,693 987,508 950,103 6,008,449

5,585,240

0.42% 4.38% 7.58%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,478,951 6,240,371 5,442,162 44,210,384

43,567,654

3.82% 19.05% 1.48%
U.S. Tons 3,239 3,120 2,721 22,105

21,784

     
Metric Tonnes 2,938 2,830 2,468 20,049 19,758      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,936,304 8,491,303 6,016,254 48,258,921

50,811,268

-18.31% 15.29% -5.02%
U.S. Tons 3,468 4,246 3,008 24,129

25,406

     
Metric Tonnes 3,146 3,851 2,728 21,885

23,043

     
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 13,415,255 14,731,674 11,458,416 92,469,305

94,378,922

-8.94% 17.08% -2.02%
US Tons 6,708 7,366 5,729 46,235

47,189

     
Metric Tonnes 6,084 6,681 5,196 41,935

42,801

     
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 4,186 4,191 3,922 26,559

25,798

-0.12% 6.73% 2.95%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 555,647 549,452 520,003 3,473,129

3,306,813

1.13% 6.85% 5.03%

 

Passenger Volume Month over Month

 

Historic Passenger Volume

  • 2023 9,868,868
  • 2022 8,693,866
  • 2021 7,282,475
  • 2020 4,122,517
  • 2019 10,040,817 
  • 2018 9,642,729
  • 2017 9,140,445
  • 2016 8,422,676
  • 2015 8,100,073
  • 2014 7,609,404
  • 2013 9,072,126
  • 2012 9,004,983
  • 2011 9,176,824
  • 2010 9,492,455
  • 2009 9,715,604
  • 2008 11,106,196
  • 2007 11,459,390
  • 2006 11,321,050
  • 2005 11,463,391
  • 2004 11,264,937
  • 2003 10,555,387
  • 2002 10,795,270
  • 2001 11,864,411
  • 2000 13,288,059
  • 1999 13,020,285

 

Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan

Cleveland Hopkins  International Airport (CLE) has instituted an Airport Emergency Contingency Plan pursuant to §42301 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.  This act requires that passengers be permitted to deplane an aircraft that has been delayed on the tarmac for a period not to exceed three hours.  

In the event that an aircraft nears the  three hour  time limit, the airlines are required by law to deplane all passengers into the  Terminal,  and provide access to restrooms,  food  and water. Each airline is required to have an airline contingency plan on file with the Department of Transportation. The CLE Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is designed to coordinate the provision of logistical support to the airlines.  Pursuant to this plan, CLE will provide a list of airlines, ground handlers, fixed base operators and others who may have the necessary equipment and personnel to safely deplane passengers to the airlines. CLE will request that common use tenant air carriers make gates available to an air carrier seeking to deplane at a gate. An alternative solution will be to hard stand the aircraft and transport passengers via bus to the terminal. CLE will provide transportation from the aircraft parking location to the terminal through contract ground transportation providers. 

A copy of the entire airport contingency plan is available here.