Toledo Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is located 25 miles from the centre of Toledo, Ohio. The airport has one passenger terminal with nine gates and two parking lots. Toledo Express is home to the Toledo Air National Guard Base and the 180th Fighter Wing, an Air Combat Command unit of the Ohio Air National Guard. The airport had 34,313 aircraft operations in the year ending 31 December 2022, with 80 aircraft based on the field.

Passenger terminal and gates

The Toledo Express Airport, officially Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL), is located in Swanton and Monclova townships, about 10 miles (16 km) west of Toledo in western Lucas County, Ohio, United States. The airport has one terminal building, which was opened in 1954–55 and has seen several upgrades since. The terminal has a modern and spacious design, featuring two levels and a total of nine gates.

The upper level of the terminal serves as the main passenger waiting area, where passengers can access various amenities, including a food court, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a children's play area near Gates 1 and 2, although it is currently inaccessible to the public. The ticket counters for the airlines are located in this area as well. Passengers can easily navigate to their respective gates from the main lobby, with all gates located within a short walking distance of each other.

The lower level of the terminal houses the baggage claim area, which is well-lit and clearly marked, making it convenient for passengers to locate their luggage. This level also provides access to vending machines and an ATM, and rental car counters, which are located between the arrivals area and baggage claim. The baggage claim area features two carousels, making it efficient for passengers to retrieve their bags.

The terminal at Toledo Express Airport is divided into three main sections: the central part, the east wing, and the western wing. The central part, including Gates 3, 4, and 5, is the most active, with regular weekly use. The east wing, comprising Gate 2 on the upper level and Gates 1 and 1A on the lower level, can accommodate multiple aircraft simultaneously. The ground-level gates in the east wing can support up to five aircraft at once.

The western wing, which includes Gates 6 through 8, is the oldest part of the terminal and is less frequently used. Some gates in this wing are no longer operational, with the original Gate 5 renumbered to Gate 6 during terminal upgrades. The western wing's previous Gate 7 is now inoperative, while the former Gate 8 remains a stairwell to ramp-level boarding.

Aircraft operations

Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is located 25 miles from the centre of Toledo, Ohio. The airport is relatively small, with only one passenger terminal that has nine gates. The airport is also home to the Toledo Air National Guard Base and the 180th Fighter Wing, an Air Combat Command unit of the Ohio Air National Guard.

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, the airport recorded 34,313 aircraft operations, averaging roughly 94 per day. This included a mix of general aviation (60%), air taxi (18%), military (11%), and commercial (12%) operations. There were 80 aircraft based on the field, including single-engine and multi-engine airplanes, military aircraft, jets, and helicopters.

The airport has a history of serving as a hub for cargo operations, with DB Schenker leasing a large warehouse facility with direct runway access until 2011. During this time, Toledo Express was a significant cargo hub, ranking as the 22nd busiest in North America in 2009 with 241,472 tons handled.

Toledo Express Airport faces competition from nearby airports, particularly the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is a larger airport with international and domestic flights. This competition has impacted the number of flights and passengers using Toledo Express Airport. However, the airport still serves a catchment area of 981,000 residents, and efforts are being made to improve its accessibility.

Toledo also has another airport, the Toledo Executive Airport (TDZ), which is primarily used for corporate aviation, premium air freight, law enforcement, flight training, and private aircraft. This airport is located just 15 minutes from downtown Toledo and offers various aircraft services, including storage and fuelling options.

Cargo operations

Toledo Express Airport has a notable history of cargo operations, playing a significant role in the region's economic impact and job opportunities. The airport has witnessed fluctuations in its cargo activities, with a notable decline in 2011 when it lost its status as the main North American hub for DB Schenker, an international air cargo company. However, since then, Toledo Express Airport has been the headquarters and ground cargo hub for BX Solutions, a company founded by former employees of BAX Global, which was acquired by DB Schenker.

In 2009, the airport was ranked as the 22nd busiest cargo hub in North America, handling 241,472 tons of cargo. This significant cargo presence is further emphasised by the leasing of a 300,000-square-foot warehouse facility with direct runway access to DB Schenker during their operations at the airport. The company operated an average of 20 flights per night, with a peak of 42, solidifying the airport's importance for cargo transportation.

In recent years, Toledo Express Airport has experienced a remarkable resurgence in cargo operations. Between 2020 and 2021, the airport witnessed an impressive 438% increase in cargo tonnage, jumping from 33 million pounds to 192 million pounds. This substantial growth has been attributed to several factors, including the addition of Amazon, which operates two flights per day, and the contributions of companies like National Flight Services, InterJet West, and Grand Aire, with the latter experiencing a 140% increase in day-to-day operations since 2020.

The airport's cargo operations have also been impacted by the exodus of major airlines, which has left regional service providers like Envoy Air, an American Airlines affiliate, without adequate pilot resources. This has resulted in a reduction in routes offered by these airlines, further emphasising the airport's focus on cargo transportation.

Toledo Express Airport's cargo operations have had their share of challenges, including a deadly crash in 1960 involving a chartered plane carrying the Cal Poly football team. Despite this tragic incident, the airport has continued to play a vital role in facilitating cargo transportation, contributing to the region's economic development and providing essential connectivity for businesses.

Parking and access

Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is located in Toledo, Ohio, and serves as a vital gateway for the region, providing convenient travel options for business and leisure travellers. The airport offers ample parking options, including short-term and long-term parking lots, both situated on the north side of the airport. The parking facilities are managed by ParkSmart and Republic Parking Systems, ensuring efficient operations.

For short-term parking, the first 15 minutes are free of charge, providing convenience for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. From 16 minutes to 2 hours, the fee is $2, and it increases gradually with longer durations. The daily maximum rate for short-term parking is $10 for up to 24 hours. This option is ideal for those needing a parking space for a few hours or those who want to stay close to the terminal.

The long-term parking rates are slightly more economical. Similar to short-term parking, the first 15 minutes are free. For stays between 16 minutes and 2 hours, the fee is $2. The daily maximum rate for long-term parking is $8 for up to 24 hours. This option is perfect for travellers going on longer trips or those seeking a more affordable parking alternative.

Toledo Express Airport accepts various payment methods for parking, including cash, checks, and major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. The E-Ticket Express feature allows for seamless entry and exit without the need for a ticket or cashier interaction, as the system automatically calculates the parking fee. Additionally, electric vehicle charging stations are available in the short-term parking lot, offering four charging ports with a 4-hour time limit and a $2/hour idle fee for vehicles parked longer than 2 hours.

The airport also provides ground transportation options for travellers. A1 Accurate Limousine and Airport Service is the current taxi service contractor, ensuring convenient travel to and from the airport. Car rental services are available from companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National, offering flexibility for travellers who prefer renting a vehicle during their stay. Additionally, the TARTA Flex app and a dedicated phone line facilitate easy ride-scheduling, allowing travellers to book in advance or as little as 30 minutes before their desired pick-up time.

Military presence

Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL) is a commercial airport located in Western Lucas County, about 20 miles from downtown Toledo, Ohio. It is the primary airport of Toledo and the 15th busiest air cargo hub in the country. The airport is also home to a significant military presence, including the Toledo Air National Guard Base and the 180th Fighter Wing (180 FW).

The Toledo Air National Guard Base (Toledo ANGB) is a Federal enclave of 135.4 acres leased by the Department of Defense to the State of Ohio and the Ohio Air National Guard. The base houses combat-ready F-16C Fighting Falcon jet fighters and associated Air National Guard support units. The physical facilities at Toledo ANGB consist of 3 administrative, 13 industrial, and 7 services buildings, including hangar facilities, totalling nearly 322,000 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 a part of the 180 FW, capable of deploying worldwide to meet Air Force requirements.

The 180 FW's mission is to provide combat-ready F-16C jets and support units that can deploy worldwide in minimum response time. The unit conducts monthly training drills, resulting in a surge of up to 900 personnel. The presence of the 180 FW and the Toledo ANGB at Toledo Express Airport enhances the airport's strategic importance and contributes to its status as a critical transportation hub in the region.

Toledo Executive Airport, the secondary airport in Toledo, is located about 15 minutes from downtown Toledo. While it primarily serves corporate aviation, premium air freight services, law enforcement, flight training, and privately owned aircraft, it also has a notable military presence. In the year ending July 29, 2021, the airport recorded 90,700 aircraft operations, with an average of 248 per day, including military flights.

Frequently asked questions