CLE Passenger Numbers Continue to Soar

January 31, 2019

Press Releases

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) welcomes more passengers last year than any other year in almost a decade.

The total number of passengers for 2018 was 9,642,729, a 5.50 percent increase over 2017, and more than any year since 2009.

“The continued growth in passengers flying to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a testament to the airport’s focus on growing air service and the quality of the traveling public’s experience."

With 753,627 passengers welcomed in December, CLE had a 3.92 percent increase over December 2017.

Of the more than 9.6 million passengers in 2018, 96 percent of the passengers were origin and destination (O & D) passengers, meaning those passengers boarded or deplaned in Cleveland as opposed to connecting through CLE on to another destination. This is the airport’s highest O & D traffic since 2001.

“The dynamics of our airport continue to change as we continue to grow,” said Airport Director Robert Kennedy. “We continue to make necessary accommodations for our guests and add amenities to ensure not only are more people choosing CLE, but they are returning to CLE.”

CLE is Ohio’s busiest commercial airport with an average of 147 daily departures to 51 nonstop destinations.