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
  October 2023 September 2023 October 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022 Oct 23 / Sept 23 Oct 23 / Oct 22 YTD 2023 / YTD 2022
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 455,905 416,012 393,481 4,023,056 3,585,312 9.59% 15.86% 12.21%
Total International 4,793 5,510 3,909 89,191 63,499 -13.01% 22.61% 40.46%
ENPLANED TOTAL 460,698 421,522 397,390 4,112,247 3,648,811 9.29% 15.93% 12.70%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 448,531 411,368 393,692 4,027,811 3,593,560 9.03% 13.93% 12.08%
Total International 5,986 5,720 4,061 92,575 64,024 4.65% 47.40% 44.59%
DEPLANED TOTAL 454,517 417,088 397,753 4,120,386 3,657,584 8.97% 14.27% 12.65%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 904,436 827,380 787,173 8,050,867 7,178,872 9.31% 14.90% 12.15%
Total International 10,779 11,230 7,970 181,766 127,523

-4.02%

35.24% 42.54%
AIRPORT TOTAL 915,215 838,610 795,143 8,232,633 7,306,395 9.13% 15.10% 12.68%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,105,721 6,162,520 6,871,512 62,634,799 70,451,131 -0.92% -11.14% -11.09%
U.S. Tons 3,053 3,081 3,436 31,317 35,226      
Metric Tonnes 2,796 2,795 3,116 28,405 31,950      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 7,710,754 7,177,594 9,975,407 75,810,828 85,217,262 7.43% -22.70% -11.04%
U.S. Tons 3,855 3,589 4,988 37,905 42,609      
Metric Tonnes 3,497 3,255 4,524 34,380 38,646      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 13,816,475 13,340,114 16,846,919 138,445,627  155,668,393 3.57% -17.99% -11.06%
US Tons 6,908 6,670 8,423 69,223 77,834      
Metric Tonnes 6,266 6,050 7,640 62,785 70,596      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 4,198 3,955 3,575 38,048 34,701 6.14% 17.43% 9.65%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total

558,877

525,449 455,655 4,932,612 4,362,104 6.36% 22.65% 13.08%

 

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.