Toledo, Ohio: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Yes, Toledo, Ohio is served by Toledo Express Airport (TOL). The airport is home to the Toledo Air National Guard Base and the 180th Fighter Wing, an Air Combat Command-gained unit of the Ohio Air National Guard. In 2021, the airport supported over 2,900 jobs and contributed over $581 million to the region's economy.

Toledo Express Airport's location and catchment area

The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport is located west of Toledo, Ohio. Efforts to build a modern airport in the region started shortly after World War II when civic leaders realised that the Toledo Municipal Airport was inadequate. The airport's name was officially changed in September 2020 to honour retired NASA flight director and Toledo native Gene Kranz.

Toledo Express Airport is used by several Toledo-based companies as a base for their corporate aircraft, including Owens-Illinois, Owens-Corning, and Promedica Air, which houses its air ambulances at the airport. The airport also hosts the Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo (ANSAT), a training centre for 300-400 high school students known for its yearly air expos.

The airport's catchment area encompasses 981,000 residents, with 510,000 people living within a 30-minute drive of the airport. However, the airport captures only a small percentage of the total passengers in the Toledo market, with most passengers opting for the Detroit Metro Airport instead.

Toledo Express Airport has one passenger terminal with nine gates. For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, the airport recorded 34,313 aircraft operations, averaging about 94 flights per day. The airport also has a Cargo Development Zone on its south side, providing access to a 78-acre air cargo ramp.

Airlines that operate from Toledo Airport

Toledo Express Airport, officially Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, is located 10 miles west of Toledo, Ohio. The airport is used by passenger and cargo airlines, general aviation, and is home to the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing.

Toledo Express Airport is a civil-military airport that opened in 1954-55 as a replacement for the Toledo Municipal Airport. The airport has seen fluctuations in traffic over the years, with a peak in 1997 due to low-cost flights to Orlando, Florida. By 2011, however, all but two airlines had discontinued service, and traffic bottomed out in 2012. Since then, the airport has experienced slow growth, with increasing passenger numbers in recent years.

Several airlines have operated from Toledo Express Airport over the years. In 2011, Delta Air Lines' last flight from Toledo was operated, and Northwest Airlines also served the airport until its acquisition by Delta. Other airlines that have offered service from Toledo Express Airport include Mesaba Airlines, USAir, and USAir Express.

As of 2023, Allegiant operates from Toledo Express Airport, but it is important to note that they do not accept cash, checks, or money orders at any airport location. Toledo Express is also used as a base for corporate aircraft by several Toledo-area companies, including Owens-Illinois and Owens-Corning.

The airport's busiest year on record

The Airports Busiest Year on Record

The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL) is located in Swanton and Monclova townships, about 10 miles (16 km) west of Toledo, Ohio. The airport opened in 1954-55 as a replacement for the Toledo Municipal Airport and is operated by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

However, after 1997, passenger numbers began to decline as many travellers opted for the nearby Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a larger hub with more routes. By 2011, all but two airlines had discontinued service, and in 2012, passenger numbers hit a low. Toledo Express has since adapted its offerings, shifting from major cities to vacation spots like Phoenix and Florida destinations.

In recent years, the airport has seen some recovery in passenger numbers. In 2015, Toledo Express recorded its third consecutive year of growth, reaching 179,911 passengers. In 2018, passenger numbers rose again, this time by over 22%, marking the sixth straight year of growth and bringing the total to 241,299 passengers.

Toledo Express also serves as a significant cargo hub, ranking as the 22nd busiest in North America in 2009, handling 241,472 tons. In 2021, the airport supported over 2,900 jobs and contributed more than $581 million to the region's economy.

The airport's military aircraft and personnel

Toledo Express Airport, located in Northwest Ohio, is about 20 miles from downtown Toledo in Western Lucas County. The airport is also home to the Toledo Air National Guard Base and the 180th Fighter Wing (180 FW), an Air Combat Command (ACC)-gained unit of the Ohio Air National Guard.

The 180th FW occupies 3 administrative, 13 industrial, and 7 services buildings, including hangar facilities, totalling approximately 321,882 square feet. There are 21 military aircraft based at Toledo Express Airport, supported by 290 full-time Air Reserve Technician (ART) and Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) personnel. Over 600 additional part-time Traditional Air National Guardsmen are also part of the 180 FW, capable of deploying worldwide to meet Air Force requirements.

A unit training drill is conducted once a month, resulting in a surge of up to 900 personnel. The 180th FW's mission is to provide combat-ready F-16C Fighting Falcon jet fighters and support units that can deploy worldwide in minimum response time. The F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft are housed on a 135.4-acre Federal enclave leased by the Department of Defense for the State of Ohio and the Ohio Air National Guard.

Toledo Express Airport is an important hub for the region, serving over half a million travellers a year and ranking as the 15th busiest air cargo hub in the country. The airport has a range of facilities and services, including fuel, general maintenance, hangars, courtesy vehicles, conference rooms, crew lounges, snooze rooms, and more. It is also used by several Toledo-area companies as a base for their corporate aircraft.

Hotels near the airport

Yes, Toledo, Ohio, is served by the Toledo Express Airport (TOL). There are several hotels near the airport that you can consider staying at:

Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Swanton/Toledo Airport

Located just 0.4 miles from the airport, this hotel offers free breakfast, free parking, and free WiFi. Previous guests have praised the hotel staff for being cheerful, helpful, and accommodating.

Red Roof Inn

This hotel is located outside Toledo and offers pet-friendly rooms. While the exterior is typical of a Red Roof Inn, some guests have found the rooms to be sub-par. However, others have praised the comfortable chairs and ample desk space.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Guests at this hotel have access to a well-stocked breakfast. The staff is friendly, and the rooms are clean.

WoodSpring Suites Toledo Maumee

This 3-star hotel in Maumee offers a 24-hour front desk, an ATM, and new, clean, and quiet rooms with modern amenities such as a residential fridge, microwave, and smart TV.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Perrysburg Levis Commons Toledo

Located in Perrysburg, 6.6 miles from the South Toledo Golf Club, this hotel offers accommodations with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. It is also close to several restaurants and bars.

Courtyard Toledo Airport Holland

Located in Holland, 4.7 miles from the South Toledo Golf Club, this hotel provides accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a garden. Guests have praised the nice rooms and good breakfast.

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