Cleveland Airport: Current Traffic And Wait Times

is cleveland airport busy right now

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio and is among the top fifty largest airports in the United States by passenger numbers. The airport has witnessed several innovations that have become commonplace, including the first air traffic control tower and a two-level design separating arrivals from departures. While it is unclear what the current passenger volume is, CLE welcomed over 800,000 passengers in December 2024, with slightly fewer in November and October of the same year.

Characteristics Values
Name Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
IATA CLE
ICAO KCLE
FAA LID CLE
Location Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Distance from Downtown Cleveland 9 miles (14 km)
Founding Date July 1, 1925
Number of Destinations 43
Security Wait Times CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck available
Current Status Normal
Departure Delays Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less
Passenger Numbers 836,093 (September); 764,763 (November); 806,104 (December)

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Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio. It is located in Cleveland's Hopkins neighbourhood, about 9 miles (14 km) southwest of downtown Cleveland. The airport is owned by the city and is the primary airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has a rich history in commercial air travel, with several first-in-the-world innovations that have become global standards. Founded on July 1, 1925, it was one of the first municipality-owned airports in the United States. The airport was a pioneer in air traffic control, boasting the first air traffic control tower (1929) and the first ground-to-air radio control system (1939). Additionally, it was the first airfield lighting system (1930) and the first two-level terminal design to separate arrivals from departures. By 1928, just three years after its opening, the airport served 17,600 aircraft, making it one of the busiest in the nation at the time.

The airport has continued to be a significant player in the aviation industry. It was a hub for United Airlines from the post–World War II era until the mid-1980s. After United moved out, Continental Airlines stepped in, becoming the dominant carrier at the airport in the 1990s and 2000s. In recent years, low-cost carriers have entered the market, offering more affordable options for passengers.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport remains a busy airport, serving more than 10 million passengers in 2019, the last full year before the Covid pandemic. In 2022, the airport offered 115 daily nonstop departures to over 48 destinations. The airport has a two-level passenger terminal, with four concourses, three of which are currently in use. It provides convenient services and accessibility options for travellers, including a smart parking garage that can be reserved in advance.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport's historical significance, coupled with its ongoing role as a major aviation hub, solidifies its position as the largest and busiest airport in Ohio.

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The airport is located 9 miles from Downtown Cleveland

The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is located 9 miles (or 14 km) southwest of Downtown Cleveland. It is a city-owned international airport and is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Ohio. It is also within the 50 largest airports in the United States by passenger numbers.

The airport is of significant importance to the history of commercial air travel due to its several first-in-the-world innovations that have now become standard across airports globally. Founded on July 1, 1925, it was one of the first municipality-owned airports in the United States. Over the years, it has been at the forefront of several groundbreaking developments, including being the site of the first air traffic control tower in 1929, the first airfield lighting system in 1930, and the first ground-to-air radio control system in 1939. Additionally, it was the first airport in North America to feature a two-level terminal design, separating arrivals from departures, and the first to be directly linked to a local or regional rail transit system in 1968.

The airport has a range of facilities to assist passengers with their travel needs. It offers an interactive map to help passengers navigate their way through the airport, locate their departure gates, and find various restaurants and shops within the airport. For added convenience, free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the airport.

To enhance security and expedite the security screening process, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus programs. TSA PreCheck is available at Central, South, and North Checkpoints, allowing eligible frequent flyers to enjoy a streamlined screening experience. Similarly, CLEAR Plus, accessible at Central and South Security Checkpoints, enables travellers to move through security faster using advanced technology and biometric authentication.

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It is the first airport to employ a two-level terminal design

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a city-owned international airport in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state, and is in the top 50 largest airports in the U.S. by passenger numbers. The airport has been at the forefront of several innovations that are now commonplace. One notable example is that it was the first airport to employ a two-level terminal design, separating arrivals from departures.

The airport was founded on July 1, 1925, and was one of the first municipality-owned facilities of its kind in the United States. It was the site of the first air traffic control tower in 1929, the first ground-to-air radio control system in 1939, and the first airfield lighting system in 1930. Additionally, it was the first U.S. airport to be directly connected to a local or regional rail transit system in 1968.

The two-level terminal design at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport consists of one two-level passenger terminal, which was completed in 1978 and renovated in 2016. There are four concourses, three of which are currently in use. The design efficiently separates arrivals from departures, improving the flow of passenger traffic and enhancing the overall airport experience.

The airport has continued to undergo renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In 1992, a $50 million renovation was completed on Concourse C, which included the installation of a continuous skylight and a new Baggage Claim area. In 1999, an $80 million expansion included the construction of the new Concourse D. More recently, the airport has embarked on the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) to address increasing customer demand and improve airport facilities. This program includes expanded ticketing and passenger gate areas, enhanced security checkpoint processing, improved roadway access, and increased public parking capacity.

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TSA PreCheck is available for expedited security screening

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio and is among the top fifty largest airports in the United States by passenger numbers. The airport is known for its historical significance, being one of the first municipality-owned facilities in the country and introducing several innovations that later became industry standards.

Navigating a busy airport can be challenging, and CLE offers TSA PreCheck for expedited security screening. TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travellers to speed through security checkpoints more efficiently. It is available to eligible members who have enrolled and completed the necessary steps.

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck can be done conveniently through various enrollment providers, with centres located across the country. Applicants can choose a provider based on cost, location, and additional benefits. The process is straightforward, and once approved, travellers can expect a smoother experience at the airport.

With TSA PreCheck, there is no need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and electronics and 3-1-1 liquids can remain in your bag. This significantly speeds up the screening process, with approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes. It's important to note that all travellers will be screened, and expedited screening is not guaranteed for any individual, as TSA employs unpredictable security measures.

Children under 17 can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck when indicated on their boarding pass. Additionally, those with Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or an active TWIC or Commercial Driver's License with an HME, are not required to enrol separately for TSA PreCheck and can enjoy the benefits.

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CLEAR Plus is available at two security checkpoints to move through security faster

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio, and is among the top fifty largest airports in the United States by passenger numbers. The airport is located in Cleveland's Hopkins neighbourhood, 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Downtown Cleveland. It is known for its significant contributions to the history of commercial air travel, being the site of several innovations that later became commonplace. These include being the first airport with an air traffic control tower and a two-level design separating arrivals from departures.

Navigating such a busy airport can be challenging, and security checks can be time-consuming. CLEAR Plus is available at two security checkpoints, Central and South, to help travellers move through security faster. This programme offers quicker clearance and shorter lines, making the security process more efficient. CLEAR Plus members can enjoy the convenience of reduced waiting times and a streamlined security experience.

Additionally, TSA PreCheck is another programme offered at Cleveland Hopkins Airport that facilitates expedited security screening. This programme is available at three checkpoints: Central, South, and North. Members of TSA PreCheck can benefit from simplified security procedures, such as not having to remove their shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and being able to keep laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during screening. TSA PreCheck is designed for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveller programs.

To make the most of your time at Cleveland Airport, it is recommended to plan ahead and stay informed about any possible departure delays. Utilising resources like flight trackers, security wait time information, and airport tips can optimise your experience. By enrolling in programmes like CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck, you can further streamline your journey through security, making your overall airport experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio, and is in the top 50 largest airports in the US by passenger numbers. It is the primary airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

I am unable to provide a real-time answer, however, the airport's website may have this information. In general, the airport has a passenger count of over 700,000-800,000 per month.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus are two programs that can help you move through security faster at Cleveland Airport. TSA PreCheck is a service for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs. CLEAR Plus is available at 2 security checkpoints: Central and South.

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