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
  April 2023 March 2023 April 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022 Apr 23 / Mar 23 Apr 23 / Apr 22 YTD 2023 / YTD 2022
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 374,637 395,753 360,000 1,393,805 1,292,484 -5.34% 4.07% 7.84%
Total International 8,790 10,455 6,574 34,113 22,789 -15.93% 33.71% 49.69%
ENPLANED TOTAL 383,427 406,208 366,574 1,427,918 1,315,273 -5.61% 4.60% 8.56%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 392,466 384,383 376,673 1,390,221 1,289,998 2.10% 4.19% 7.77%
Total International 9,570 9,926 7,477 35,085 23,919 -3.59% 27.99% 46.68%
DEPLANED TOTAL 402,036 394,309 384,150 1,425,306 1,313,917 1.96% 4.66% 8.48%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 767,103 780,136 736,673 2,784,026 2,582,482 -1.67% 4.13% 7.80%
Total International 18,360 20,381 14,051 69,198 46,708 -9.92% 30.67% 48.15%
AIRPORT TOTAL 785,463 800,517 750,724 2,853,224 2,629,190 -1.88% 4.63% 8.52%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,235,572 7,148,082 7,453,624 25,442,675 28,173,135 -12.77% -16.34% -9.69%
U.S. Tons 3,118 3,574 3,727 12,721 14,087      
Metric Tonnes 2,828 3,242 3,380 11,538 12,777      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,570,198 7,591,544 8,082,325 27,025,675 30,827,530 -13.45% -18.71% -12.33%
U.S. Tons 3,285 3,796 4,041 13,513 15,414      
Metric Tonnes 2,980 3,443 3,665 12,256 13,980      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 12,805,770 14,739,626 15,535,949 52,468,017 59,000,665 -13.12% -17.57% -11.07%
US Tons 6,403 7,370 7,768 26,234 29,500      
Metric Tonnes 5,807 6,684 7,046 23,794 26,757      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 3,565 3,745 3,611 13,978 13,880 -4.81% -1.27% 0.71%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 458,647 476,911 440,616 1,788,112 1,707,969 -3.83% 4.09% 4.69%

 

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.