Akron-Canton Airport: Ohio's Best-Kept Secret Gateway

Akron, Ohio, is served by the Akron-Canton Airport, a commercial airport located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County. The airport is about 14 miles southeast of Akron and 10 miles northwest of Canton. It is one of the fastest-growing airports in the Midwest, with numerous nonstop destinations and easy connectivity to hundreds of cities with just one stop. The airport has a range of dining and shopping options, as well as various ground transportation options, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Akron-Canton Airport

The airport covers 2,300 acres (9.3 km2) and has two runways: 01/19 is 7,601 feet (2,317 m) long and 05/23 is 8,204 feet (2,501 m) long. The airport has a maintenance base for PSA Airlines, a regional carrier owned by the American Airlines Group that flies under the American Eagle brand.

The airport was dedicated on October 13, 1946, as the Akron–Canton–Massillon Airport; the name was later changed to Akron–Canton Regional Airport. Passenger air service began in 1948 when American, United, Capital, and Eastern airlines moved from the Akron Fulton International Airport. A permanent terminal was built in 1955 and expanded in 1962. In the summer of 2020, a new expansion was made to the terminal, relocating gates from the original terminal to a new bi-level concourse. The airport's busiest year was in 2012, with 1.83 million passengers flying through.

In 2021, the airport received $7.7 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to acquire snow removal equipment, rehabilitate taxiways and aviation aprons, rehabilitate existing lighting systems, and perform sealing along sections of the taxiway surface area. The airport has also initiated CAK 2018, a 10-year, $110 million Capital Improvement Plan, which includes projects such as expanding aircraft parking and general aviation areas, replacing aircraft rescue and firefighting maintenance facilities, and expanding auto parking lots.

Akron Fulton International Airport

The airport initially received funding in 1924 and opened its doors in 1929. It served as a U.S. naval air station during World War II, where Goodyear Aircraft produced over 130 airships and 4,000 naval FG-1D Corsair fighter aircraft. Akron Fulton International Airport also trained pilots during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The airport is recognised as a National Landmark of Soaring by the National Soaring Museum and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2018, the airport was renamed Akron Executive Airport. In 2020, the Akron City Council approved a $6 million upgrade for the airport, which included improving the lighting system and reconstructing the runway to facilitate the development of nearby land.

Akron's nearest major airport

Akron, Ohio's nearest major airport is Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK / KCAK). This airport is located about 14 miles (23 km) southeast of Akron and offers domestic flights. It serves as a "reliever" airport for Northeast Ohio and markets itself as a convenient alternative to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Akron-Canton Airport covers 2,300 acres (9.3 km2) and features two runways, with several expansion projects underway as part of its $110 million Capital Improvement Plan. The airport provides a range of amenities, including technical, analytical, and marketing cookies on its website, and has various ground transportation options, including taxicab and shuttle services.

Another major airport option for travellers to Akron is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE / KCLE), located about 43 miles from the city. This airport offers both international and domestic flights, providing additional travel options for those visiting the region.

For those seeking alternative airports near Akron, there are several local and domestic airports within a reasonable distance. Akron Fulton International Airport (AKC / KAKR / AKR) is just 8 miles away, while Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG / KYNG) is 59 miles away. These smaller airports may offer convenient alternatives for pilots or travellers comfortable with driving further to access more affordable flight options.

Akron-Canton Airport's amenities

Akron-Canton Airport (IATA: CAK, ICAO: KCAK, FAA LID: CAK) is located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County, Ohio, about 14 miles southeast of Akron and 10 miles northwest of Canton. The airport offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers. Here is an overview of the amenities available at the Akron-Canton Airport:

Transportation and Parking:

The airport provides a range of transportation options, including taxicab and shuttle services. It is also served by public transit providers, such as the Akron Metro Regional Transit route 110 and the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) route 81, connecting Canton and Akron. Additionally, the airport offers on-site parking options, including short-term, covered short-term, and long-term parking lots, with handicapped parking spaces available in all lots.

Dining and Shopping:

Akron-Canton Airport offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. The airport's cafes, such as CAK Cafe and Cafe Express, provide travellers with a quick bite or a coffee before their flight. For those looking for a sit-down meal, there are restaurants like the Observation Deck, featuring Menches Bros., and Great Lakes Brewing Co. The airport also plans to rotate local exhibits and innovative public art displays to showcase the culture and community of the Akron/Canton region.

Business Services:

The airport caters to business travellers by providing a quiet and comfortable Ohio Business Center, equipped with free Wi-Fi and a printer. This space allows business travellers to work, conduct research, or prepare for presentations before their flight. Additionally, the airport offers advertising and concession opportunities for businesses looking to reach a diverse audience of business flyers, families, and affluent leisure travellers.

Passenger Comfort and Convenience:

Akron-Canton Airport prioritises the comfort and convenience of its passengers. The airport provides a Step2 PlayPort, a jumbo-sized activity area for children to play and burn off energy before their flight. For travelling parents, the AultCare Mother's Lounge, located between gates 7 and 8, offers a comfortable space to feed, change, or relax with their little ones. The airport also features a complimentary Ohio Desk Business Lounge and a KultureCity sensory room to accommodate passengers with sensory needs.

Accessibility:

Akron-Canton Airport is committed to providing full ADA accessibility and strives to be user-friendly for persons with disabilities. The airport offers handicapped parking spaces near shuttle pick-up areas and in front rows of all parking lots. All airport parking shuttles are lift-equipped, and wheelchair service is available from the airlines inside the terminal. Most of the terminal is single-level, with elevator access to the second level in the new concourse. The airport also provides paging services for the deaf and hard of hearing and accessible restrooms in all public areas.

Pet Relief Areas:

For travellers with service or companion animals, the airport has designated pet relief areas. There is an outdoor relief area in front of the terminal and an indoor relief area located by gate 8, sponsored by Coastal Pet Products, Inc.

TSA Security Checkpoint:

The TSA Security Checkpoint at Akron-Canton Airport is open daily from 4:30 am to 30 minutes after the last scheduled flight. Passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time to ensure they clear security on time. The airport follows the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols, and provides additional rules and tips for a smoother TSA screening experience.

Akron-Canton Airport's history

Akron-Canton Airport (IATA: CAK, ICAO: KCAK, FAA LID: CAK) is a commercial airport located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County, Ohio. The airport is jointly operated by Summit County and Stark County and is about 14 miles southeast of Akron and 10 miles northwest of Canton.

The airport's history dates back to World War II, when there was a heightened focus on air defence across the United States. In September 1940, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) announced $500 million in funding for airport construction across the nation, with $15 million allocated for Ohio to establish 104 ports statewide.

The process of selecting a site for the airport in the Canton area was lengthy and contentious. Initially, three sites were considered, but all were deemed too small. Eventually, a site south of the Greensburg-Greentown Road in Summit County was chosen due to its excellent elevation and room for growth. The site was selected by Frederic S. Wilkins. To include Stark County in the development, the Canton Chamber of Commerce advocated for a bi-county approach, serving the people of both Summit and Stark counties.

Funding for the airport's construction was a mix of public and private sources. While public funds were initially allocated, controversy arose over the appropriateness of using public money for airport construction. As a result, private funding played a crucial role, especially in purchasing the land. In December 1942, the Canton City Council approved the transfer of $200,000 from the Timken War Profit Tax revenues to purchase the site for the new airport. Additionally, the Timken Roller Bearing Company contributed $50,000, and nine other leading Stark County industries donated the remaining $50,000 required.

The airport was dedicated on October 13, 1946, as the Akron–Canton–Massillon Airport. However, Massillon was later dropped from the name, and the airport became known as the Akron-Canton Regional Airport. The permanent terminal was constructed in 1955 and expanded in 1962.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. During the mid-2000s, it was one of the fastest-growing airports in the Midwest, with its busiest year in 2012, serving 1.83 million passengers. However, since 2012, passenger traffic has declined due to the establishment of new routes from nearby Cleveland Hopkins Airport and the consolidation of operations by some airlines.

Frequently asked questions