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
  December 2020 November 2020 December 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019 Dec 20 / Nov 20 Dec 20 / Dec 19 YTD 2020 / YTD 2019
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 174,741 162,878 409,732 2,045,720 4,937,943 7.28% -57.35% -58.57%
Total International 0 0 5,265 13,948 85,373 0.00% -100% -83.66%
ENPLANED TOTAL 174,741 162,878 414,997 2,059,668 5,023,316 7.28% -57.89% -59.00%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 158,785 162,152 391,540 2,046,888 4,930,877 -2.08% -59.45% -58.49%
Total International 0 0 4,758 15,961 86,624 0.00% -100% -81.57%
DEPLANED TOTAL 158,785 162,152 396,298 2,062,849 5,017,501 -2.08% -59.93% -58.89%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 333,526 325,030 801,272 4,092,608 9,868,820 2.61% -58.38% -58.53%
Total International 0 0 10,023 29,909 171,997 0.00% -100% -82.61%
AIRPORT TOTAL 333,526 325,030 811,295 4,122,517 10,040,817 2.61% -58.89% -58.94%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 8,592,054 7,142,088 8,274,390 88,310,809 87,766,903 20.30% 3.84% 0.62%
U.S. Tons 4,296 3,571 4,137 44,155 43,883      
Metric Tonnes 3,896 3,239 3,752 40,049 39,802      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 9,988,913 7,907,711 8,595,897 93,982,815 93,049,555 26.41% 16.21% 1.00%
U.S. Tons 4,994 3,951 4,298 46,991 46,525      
Metric Tonnes 4,530 3,583 3,989 42,621 42,198      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 18,580,967 15,043,799 16,870,287 182,293,624 180,816,458 23.51% 10.14% 0.82%
US Tons 9,290 7,522 8,435 91,147 90,408      
Metric Tonnes 8,426 6,822 7,651 82,670 82,000      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 2,372 2,252 4,411 29,385 54,890 5.33% -46.23% -46.47%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 313,975 286,187 485,673 3,514,736 5,928,580 9.71% -35.35% -40.72%

 

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.