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
  February 2024 January 2023 February 2023 YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Feb 24 / Jan 24 Feb 24 / Feb 23 YTD 2024 / YTD 2023
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 343,651 329,523 312,201 673,174 623,415 4.29% 10.07% 7.98%
Total International 7,426 7,906 7,858 15,332 14,868 -6.07% -5.50% 3.12%
ENPLANED TOTAL 351,077 337,429 320,059 688,506 638,283 4.04% 9.39% 7.87%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 335,409 325,833 304,977 661,242 613,372 2.94% 9.98% 7.80%
Total International 7,141 7,371 7,724 14,512 15,589 -3.12% -7.25% -6.91%
DEPLANED TOTAL 342550 333,204 312,701 675,754 628,941 2.80% 9.55% 7.44%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 679,060 655,356 617,178 1,334,416 1,236,787 3.62% 10.03% 7.89%
Total International 14,567 15,277 15,582 29,844 30,457 -4.65% -6.51% -2.01%
AIRPORT TOTAL 693,627 670,633 632,760 1,364,260 1,267,244 3.43% 9.62% 7.66%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,203,788 5,924,084 6,013,180 12,127,862 12,059,021 4.72% 3.17% 0.57%
U.S. Tons 3,171 3,059 3,212 6,231 6,432      
Metric Tonnes 2,876 2,775 2,913 5,651 5,834      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,342,888 6,118,970 6,423,674 12,461,858 12,863,600 3.66% -1.26 -3.12%
U.S. Tons 3,171

3,059

3,212 6,231 6,432      
Metric Tonnes 2,876 2,775 2,913 5,651 5,834      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 12,546,666 12,043,054 12,436,584 24,589,720 24,922,621 4.18% 0.88%

-1.34%

US Tons 6,273 6,022 6,218 12,295 12,461      
Metric Tonnes 5,690 5,462 5,640 11,151 11,302      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 3,352 3,057 3,197 6,409 6,668 9.65% 4.85% -3.88%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 434,499 411,285 402,791 845,784 852,554 5.64% 7.87% -0.79%

 

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.