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
  November 2024 October 2024 November 2023 YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Nov 24 / Oct 24 Nov 24 / Nov 23 YTD 2024 / YTD 2023
ENPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 375,529 419,926 412,675 4,561,315 4,435,731 -10.57% -9.00% 2.83%
Total International 4,691 3,729 5,326 110,810 94,517 25.80% -11.92% 17.24%
ENPLANED TOTAL 380,220 423,655 418,001 4,672,125 4,530,248 -10.25% -9.04% 3.13%
DEPLANED PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 380,594 420,042 410,196 4,581,800 4,438,007 -9.39% -7.22% 3.24%
Total International 3,949 4,763 6,306 113,832 98,881 -17.09% -37.38% 15.12%
DEPLANED TOTAL 384,543 424,805 416,502 4,695,632 4,536,888 -9.48% -7.67% 3.50%
TOTAL PASSENGERS
Total Domestic 756,123

839,968

822,871 9,143,115 8,873,738 -9.98% -8.11% 3.04%
Total International 8,640 8,492 11,632 224,642 193,398

1.74%

-25.72% 16.16%
AIRPORT TOTAL 764,763 848,460 834,503 9,367,757 9,067,136 -9.86% -8.36% 3.32%
ENPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 6,772,618 7,710,620 6,128,013 72,398,919 68,762,812 -12.17% 10.52% 5.29%
U.S. Tons 3,386 3,855 3,064 36,199 34,381      
Metric Tonnes 3,071 3,497 2,779 32,833 31,184      
DEPLANED TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 7,231,758 8,364,107 7,267,520 78,627,615 83,078,348 -13.54% -0.49% -5.36%
U.S. Tons 3,616 4,182 3,634 39,314 41,539      
Metric Tonnes 3,280 3,793 3,296 35,658 37,676      
TOTAL CARGO
Pounds 14,004,376 16,074,727 13,395,533 151,026,534 151,841,160 -12.88% 4.55% -0.54%
US Tons 7,002 8,037 6,698 75,513 75,921      
Metric Tonnes 6,351 7,290 6,075 68,491 68,860      
AIRCRAFT LANDINGS
Airport Total 3,611 3,909 3,973 41,982 42,021 -7.62% -9.11% -0.09%
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT(000)
Airport Total 461,119 506,752 515,024 5,467,995 5,447,636 -9.00% -10.47% 0.37%

 

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.