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
  May 2024 April 2024 May 2023 YTD 2024 YTD 2023 May 24 / Apr 24 May 24 / May 23 YTD 2024 / YTD 2023
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 455,340 401,152 415,244 1,954,744 1,809,049 13.51% 9.66% 8.05%
Total International 14,485 10,074 9,629 54,039 43,742 43.79% 50.43% 23.54%
ENPLANED TOTAL 469,825 411,226 424,873 2,008,783 1,852,791 14.25% 10.58% 8.42%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 453,473 428,660 421,247 1,966,972 1,811,468 5.79% 7.65% 8.58%
Total International 12,274 12,696 9,471 53,493 44,556 -3.32% 29.60% 20.06%
DEPLANED TOTAL 465,747 441,356 430,718 2,020,465 1,856,024 5.53% 8.13% 8.86%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 908,813 829,812 836,491 3,921,716 3,620,517 9.52% 8.65% 8.32%
Total International 26,759 22,770 19,100 107,532 88,298 17.52% 40.10% 21.78%
AIRPORT TOTAL 935,572 852,582 855,591 4,029,248 3,708,815 9.73% 9.35% 8.64%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,777,532 6,195,464 6,308,366 31,491,062 31,751,041 9.40% 7.44% -0.82%
U.S. Tons 3,389 3,098 3,154 15,746 15,876      
Metric Tonnes 3,074 2,810 2,861 14,281 14,399      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 7,124,730 6,492,525 8,844,589 32,831,314 35,869,931 9.74% -19.45% -8.47%
U.S. Tons 3,562 3,246 4,422 16,416 17,935      
Metric Tonnes 3,231 2,944 4,011 14,889 16,267      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 13,902,262 12,687,989 15,152,955 64,322,376 67,620,972 9.57% -8.25% -4.88%
US Tons 6,951 6,344 7,576 32,161 33,810      
Metric Tonnes 6,305 5,754 6,872 29,170 30,666      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 4,131 3,775 3,765 18,182 17,743 9.43% 9.72% 2.47%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 532,942 486,866 489,992 2,368,030 2,278,104 9.46% 8.77% 3.95%

 

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.