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
  March 2021 February 2021 March 2020 YTD 2021 YTD 2020 Mar 21 / Feb 21 Mar 21 / Mar 20 YTD 2021 / YTD 2020
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 246,650 163,032 196,170 561,058 897,184 51.29% 25.73% -37.46%
Total International 1,3111 447 2,746 1,758 13,948 193.29% -52.26% -87.40%
ENPLANED TOTAL 247,961 163,479 198,916 562,816 911,132 51.68% 24.66% -38.23%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 229,650 155,100 227,791 546,858 918,161 48.13% 0.86% -40.44%
Total International 1,049 284 3,585 1,333 15,961 269.37% -70.74% -91.65%
DEPLANED TOTAL 230,783 155,384 231,376 548,191 934,122 48.53% -0.25% -41.31%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 476,394 318,132 423,961 1,107,916 1,815,345 49.75% 12.37% -38.97%
Total International 2,360 731 6,331 3,091 29,909 222.85% -62.72% -89.67%
AIRPORT TOTAL 478,754 318,863 430,292 1,111,007 1,845,254 50.14% 11.26% -39.79%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 7,970,824 6,430,195 7,114,240 21,716,847 21,397,311 23.96% 12.04% 1.49%
U.S. Tons 3,985 3,215 3,557 10,858 10,699      
Metric Tonnes 3,615 2,916 3,226 9,849 9,704      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 8,746,114 6,607,937 6,988,549 23,128,551 20,915,243 32.36% 25.15% 10.58%
U.S. Tons 4,373 3,304 3,494 11,564 10,458      
Metric Tonnes 3,966 2,997 3,169 20,337 19,189      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 16,716,938 13,038,132 14,102,789 44,845,398 42,312,554 28.22% 18.54% 5.99%
US Tons 8,358 6,519 7,051 22,423 21,156      
Metric Tonnes 7,581 5,913 6,396 20,337 19,189      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 2,557 2,004 4,037 6,773 12,433 27.59% -36.66% -45.52%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 317,095 254,578 439,195 856,400 1,335,510 24.56% -27.70% -35.87%

 

Passenger Volume Month over Month

 

Historic Passenger Volume

  • 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.