Cleveland Airport's Efficient Security: Multiple Gates, Swift Travel

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a bustling aviation hub, ranked as one of the 50 largest airports in the US by passenger numbers. The airport has a rich history, being one of the first municipality-owned facilities in the country when it opened in 1925. Over the years, it has been at the forefront of several innovations, including being the first airport with an air traffic control tower and a two-level design separating arrivals from departures. Today, the airport continues to serve a large number of passengers, with over 10 million annually, and has a total of four concourses, each with its own set of gates.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport's history and innovations

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has a rich history and has been at the forefront of several innovations in the aviation industry. Founded on July 1, 1925, it was one of the first municipality-owned airports in the United States. Here is a detailed account of its history and innovations:

Early Years and Innovations:

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, originally known as Cleveland Municipal Airport, was established on July 1, 1925, thanks to the efforts of Cleveland's first city manager, William Roland Hopkins. The airport was built on 1,040 acres of land, located 8-9 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland. The construction was led by Major John Berry, a renowned airfield expert who became the airport's first commissioner.

From its early years, the airport was a hub of innovation and achieved several milestones:

• First Municipally-Owned Airport (1925): Cleveland Hopkins was one of the first airports in the United States to be owned by a municipality, setting a precedent for public ownership of airports.
• Early Air Freight System (1925): The airport introduced an early air freight system, with the first air-freight route between Detroit and Cleveland established by the Ford Motor Company.
• First Airport Control Tower (1929): The airport boasted the world's first airport control tower, a tall, glass-enclosed structure offering a 360-degree view of the airfield.
• Early Scheduled Interstate Passenger Service (1927): Cleveland Hopkins initiated one of the first scheduled interstate passenger services in the United States, connecting Cleveland and Detroit.
• First Passenger Terminal Building (1929): The airport opened one of the first passenger terminal buildings in the country, designed to serve 250 passengers daily.
• First Commercial Airport to Host National Air Races (1929): Due to its large size, Cleveland Hopkins was chosen to host the National Air Races from 1929 to 1949, excluding a few years.
• First Airfield Lighting System (1930): The airport introduced an early airfield lighting system, aiding night flying with a powerful beacon and floodlights.
• First Ground-to-Air Radio Control System (1930): Claude F. King, a lighting and radio expert, developed the world's first ground-to-air radio control system, enabling radio communication between the control tower and aircraft.

Post-World War II Developments:

After World War II, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport continued to grow and innovate:

• Direct Transit Link to Downtown (1968): The airport became the first in North America to have a direct rail transit link to the city centre, offering a 25-minute ride for only 35 cents.
• First Two-Level Terminal Design (1969): The airport introduced the first two-level terminal design, separating arrivals from departures, improving efficiency and passenger flow.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program (1965): Cleveland Hopkins established the world's first airport-based EMT program, prioritising the safety and well-being of its passengers.
• Electric Flight Information Board (1956): The airport introduced the first centralised electric information board, displaying real-time flight information for multiple airlines simultaneously.

Recent Years:

In recent years, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has continued to serve as the primary airport for Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It remains a busy airport, serving over 10 million passengers in 2019 and offering daily nonstop departures to numerous destinations. The airport has also undergone renovations and expansions to improve efficiency and accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

In summary, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has played a significant role in the history of commercial air travel, not only in the United States but globally. Its innovations and milestones have contributed to shaping modern aviation and airport management, solidifying its place in the history of flight.

Concourse A, B, C and D gates

Concourse A

Concourse A, formerly known as the North Concourse, serves American and international airlines. Gates in this concourse are labelled A1 to A14. This concourse is home to Frontier and Spirit, and also handles all international arrivals. Delta Air Lines also uses Concourse A for overflow parking and sports charters. Concourse A also houses the airport's Federal Inspection Services (FIS) customs and border protection facility.

Concourse B

Concourse B, formerly known as the West Concourse, serves North American airlines. Gates B1 to B11 are located in this concourse. Delta and Southwest are the airlines that operate from here.

Concourse C

Concourse C, previously known as the South Concourse, serves American Airlines. Gates C1 to C29 are found in this concourse. A $50 million renovation of this concourse was completed in 1992. Air Canada Express, Alaska, American, JetBlue, and all United services (except international arrivals, which are handled in Concourse A) are based in Concourse C.

Concourse D

Concourse D has been vacant since 2014 when United closed its gates and moved all operations to Concourse C. Built in 1999 for $80 million, it is a separate terminal connected to Concourse C by an underground walkway. Despite being capable of handling larger jets, it exclusively handled smaller regional aircraft during its operation. Concourse D contains 12 jet bridge gates and 24 ramp loading positions.

Airlines and terminals

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a public aviation hub located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The airport is served mainly by domestic and a few international airlines.

The terminal is subdivided into four different concourse areas:

Concourse A

Formerly known as the North Concourse, this concourse serves American and international airlines. Gates A1 to A14 are located here. Frontier Airlines, Spirit, and Delta Air Lines (for overflow parking and sports charters) are among the airlines that use this concourse. It also houses the airport's Federal Inspection Services (FIS) customs and border protection facility.

Concourse B

Concourse B serves North American airlines and is home to gates B1 to B11. Delta and Southwest are the two airlines that operate from this concourse.

Concourse C

Renovated in the early 1990s at a cost of around $50 million, this concourse serves American airlines. Gates C1 to C29 are located within this concourse. Airlines that use this concourse include Air Canada Express, Alaska, American, JetBlue, and United (except for international arrivals, which are handled in Concourse A).

Concourse D

This concourse, built in the late 1990s for $80 million, is connected to Concourse C by an underground walkway. Serving American airlines, it has gates D2 to D28. While it is capable of handling larger jets such as the Boeing 737, it exclusively handled smaller regional aircraft during its operation. Concourse D has been vacant since 2014 when United closed its gates and consolidated operations into Concourse C.

Airport facilities and amenities

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has been at the forefront of several innovations that have become commonplace at airports around the world. It was the first airport with an air traffic control tower and a two-level terminal design that separates arrivals from departures. It was also the first airport in North America to be directly connected to a rail transit line. Today, it continues to focus on customer service innovations, such as the new AIRMALL, FlightView Screens, and social media communications.

The airport has one two-level passenger terminal, which was completed in 1978 and renovated in 2016, and four concourses, three of which are currently in use. Concourse A houses international arrivals, as well as Frontier, Spirit, and charter airlines. Concourse B serves Delta and Southwest, while Concourse C houses Air Canada Express, Alaska, American, JetBlue, and United. Concourse D has been vacant since 2014 when United closed its gates and consolidated operations into Concourse C.

The airport offers a variety of shopping and dining options, with tenants including Johnston & Murphy, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum Store, Bar Symon, and Sunglass Hut. There are also two airport lounges: a United Club in Concourse C and The Club CLE near the entrance to Concourse B in the Main Terminal.

For ground transportation, the airport is conveniently connected to the Cleveland Rapid Transit system via the Red Line Rapid Transit station located beneath the terminal. A dedicated taxi service with 110 vehicles is also available. Rental car operations are located off-site, and shuttle services are provided between the airport and the rental car facility.

CLE is committed to providing a safe and efficient travel experience for its passengers. In 2021, the airport received $32.5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to cover costs related to operations, cleaning, sanitization, and combating the spread of pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the airport has implemented a Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan to ensure that passengers can deplane safely if there are delays.

Airport transport links

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is located just nine miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, in the US state of Ohio. The airport is easily accessible via major highways and public transportation.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides a convenient service to and from the airport. The RTA's Red Line offers regular connections between CLE and downtown Cleveland via the Tower City Station. The journey takes less than 30 minutes, and trains depart from CLE every 15 minutes for most of the day. The RTA station at CLE is located on the lower level of the main terminal, and can be reached via elevators or escalators in the centre of the ticketing and baggage claim levels.

In addition to the RTA, travellers can also use ridesharing apps such as Uber to get to and from the airport. Uber offers a range of options, from private rides to premium cars and more cost-effective choices. The app provides directions to Cleveland Airport pickup points, and users can verify their ride details in-app before getting into the assigned vehicle.

For those who prefer a private car service, GO Airport Shuttle provides premium private car services to and from the airport. Their fleet includes private sedans, SUVs, and executive vans, catering to different types of travellers. They offer transparent fares without surge pricing, and advanced reservations are required for their Hopkins Airport transportation service.

Rental car operations are located off the airport property, and shuttle services are provided between the airport and the rental facility.

Frequently asked questions