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 2024 September 2024 October 2023 YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Oct 24 / Sept 24 Oct 24 / Oct 23 YTD 2024 / YTD 2023
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 419,926 415,831 455,905 4,185,786 4,023,056 0.98% -7.89% 4.04%
Total International 3,729 7,491 4,793 106,119 89,191 -50.22% -22.20% 18.98%
ENPLANED TOTAL 423,655 423,322 460,698 4,291,905 4,112,247 0.08% -8.04% 4.37%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 420,042 405,127 448,531 4,201,206 4,027,811 3.68% -6.35% 4.30%
Total International 4,763 7,644 5,986 109,883 92,575 -37.69% -20.43% 18.70%
DEPLANED TOTAL 424,805 412,771 454,517 4,311,089 4,120,386 2.92% -6.54% 4.63%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 839,968 820,958 904,436 8,386,992 8,050,867 2.32% -7.13% 4.18%
Total International 8,492 15,135 10,779 216,002 181,766 -43.89% -21.22% 18.84%
AIRPORT TOTAL 848,460 836,093 915,215 8,602,994 8,232,633 1.48% -7.29% 4.50%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 7,710,620 6,472,257 6,105,721 65,626,301 62,634,799 19.13% 26.29% 4.78%
U.S. Tons 3,855 3,236 3,053 32,813 31,317      
Metric Tonnes 3,497 2,935 2,769 29,762 28,405      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 8,364,107 6,959,033 7,710,754 71,395,857 75,810,828 20.19% 8.47% -5.82%
U.S. Tons 4,182 3,480 3,855 35,698 37,905      
Metric Tonnes 3,793 3,156 3,497 32,378 34,380      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 16,074,727 13,431,290 13,816,475 137,022,158 138,445,627 19.68% 16.34% -1.03%
US Tons 8,037 6,716 6,908 68,511 69,223      
Metric Tonnes 7,290 6,091 6,266 62,140 62,785      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 3,909 3,864 4,198 38,371 38,048 1.16% -6.88% 0.85%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 506,752 498,080 558,877 5,006,876 4,932,612 1.74% -9.33% 1.51%

 

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.