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Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the primary airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Located 14km southwest of Downtown Cleveland, it is the largest and busiest airport in the state, as well as one of the 50 largest airports in the US by passenger numbers.
| 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) |
| Number of Destinations | 43 |
| Parking | Smart Parking Garage |
| Historical Significance | First airport with an air traffic control tower, first with a two-level design separating arrivals from departures, and first in North America to be directly connected with a rail transit line |
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What You'll Learn
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
United Airlines used Cleveland as a hub from the post-World War II era until the mid-1980s. After United moved out, Continental Airlines moved in, becoming the dominant carrier at the airport in the 1990s and 2000s. However, when United and Continental merged in 2010, United closed the Cleveland hub. This created an opportunity for low-cost carriers to enter the market, which previously had some of the highest average airfares in the country. Despite the closure of its hub, as of 2017, United still maintained roughly 1,200 employees in Greater Cleveland, and it remains the largest carrier at Hopkins. Several other airlines have since increased their service to Cleveland, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. As a result, by 2017, the airport's passenger count had exceeded levels achieved when United maintained a hub in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport
The airport serves as a convenient gateway to downtown Cleveland, making it easier for tourists and travellers to access the city. It is also frequently used by professional sports team charter flights due to its proximity to venues such as Huntington Bank Field, Progressive Field, and Rocket Arena. Additionally, the airport serves as the operational hub for the Cleveland Clinic's fleet of air ambulances.
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Cuyahoga County Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (IATA: CLE, ICAO: KCLE, FAA LID: CLE) is the primary airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state and is in the top 50 largest airports in the US by passenger numbers. The airport is located in Cleveland's Hopkins neighbourhood, 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Downtown Cleveland, and is adjacent to the Glenn Research Center, one of NASA's ten major field centers.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has been at the forefront of several innovations that have since become commonplace. It was the first airport with an air traffic control tower, the first with a two-level design separating arrivals from departures, and the first in North America to be directly linked to a rail transit line.
In addition to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, there is also the Cuyahoga County Airport, a public-use airport in northeastern Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Cuyahoga County Airport is located 10-12 miles east of downtown Cleveland and serves Lake County and Geauga County. The airport is owned and operated by Cuyahoga County and was developed in 1928 by Curtiss Wright, though it closed in 1930 and remained inactive until the end of World War II. In 1946, voters approved a general obligation bond issue for the acquisition of the airport, and in 1949, the 271-acre Curtiss Wright Field, also known as the Richmond Road Airport, opened for business. The airport officially opened on May 30, 1950, and has since undergone several expansions and improvements. Cuyahoga County Airport covers an area of 640 acres at an elevation of 879 feet above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 6/24 with an asphalt surface and offers various amenities and services for businesses and pilots.
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The history of commercial air travel in Cleveland
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, located in Cleveland, Ohio, has a long history as one of the first airports in the United States and a significant hub for commercial air travel in the region. The airport's origins can be traced back to the early days of aviation, when it was known as Cleveland Municipal Airport.
In the early 1920s, as aviation was still in its infancy, Cleveland recognized the need for a dedicated facility to keep pace with the rapidly growing aviation industry. The city purchased a plot of land in 1925, and construction of the airport began. It officially opened on July 1, 1925, as a relatively small airfield with a single cinder runway and a few support buildings. Even in these early days, the airport was a busy place, with over 1,500 take-offs and landings in its first month of operation. As aviation technology advanced, so too did the airport, with the installation of radio beacons and other navigational aids, making it a pioneer in the use of such equipment.
The airport was renamed Cleveland Hopkins Airport in 1951 in honor of former city manager William R. Hopkins, who played a key role in its development. By this time, the airport had expanded significantly, with longer runways capable of accommodating larger aircraft and a new terminal building. The airport also benefited from its location along the shores of Lake Erie, which made it a convenient stopover point for transcontinental flights.
The jet age transformed air travel in the 1950s and 1960s, and Cleveland Hopkins Airport kept pace with the construction of additional terminals and improved infrastructure. The airport became a hub for several major airlines, including United Airlines, which established a large presence in Cleveland. The city also played a key role in the development of regional air travel, with smaller airlines offering service to nearby cities and towns.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (the "International" suffix was added in 1986) continued to grow, with the addition of new concourses and improved ground transportation links. The airport became a major economic driver for the region, employing thousands of people directly and indirectly. The 1990s saw further expansion, with the addition of a new runway and improved cargo facilities, ensuring the airport could handle the increasing demand for air freight.
Today, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport remains a busy hub, serving millions of passengers each year and offering direct flights to destinations across the globe. While the airport has faced challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, its long history and strategic location ensure it remains a key player in the region's aviation industry.
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Airlines that serve Cleveland
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the primary airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state and is among the top fifty largest airports in the United States by passenger numbers.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has been at the forefront of several innovations in commercial air travel. It was the first airport with an air traffic control tower, the first with a two-level design separating arrivals from departures, and the first in North America to be directly connected with a rail transit line.
The airport was a hub for United Airlines from the post-World War II era until the mid-1980s. After United moved out, Continental Airlines became the dominant carrier at the airport. Following the merger of United and Continental in 2010, United closed its hub at the airport, creating an opportunity for low-cost carriers to enter the market. Despite the closure of its hub, United still maintains a significant presence at the airport, including a flight attendant base, a pilot base, and maintenance facilities.
Several airlines serve Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, offering passengers a range of options. These include:
- American Airlines: American Airlines has increased its service to Cleveland, offering direct flights to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, Houston, and Denver.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines has also increased its service to Cleveland, providing direct flights to key destinations.
- Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly policies, Southwest Airlines offers unique perks such as two free checked bags, no change fees, and a flexible cancellation policy, making it a popular choice for cost-conscious travellers.
- United Airlines: Despite reducing its operations, United Airlines still maintains a strong presence at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, with approximately 1,200 employees and various facilities.
- Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines has established Cleveland as a crew base, employing pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance personnel. The airline offers budget-friendly fares to destinations across the United States.
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is another low-cost carrier that has expanded its service to Cleveland, providing travellers with additional affordable options.
- Allegiant Air: Allegiant Air is a new entrant to the airport, offering budget-friendly alternatives to travellers.
- JetBlue Airways: JetBlue Airways provides an enhanced flying experience with complimentary snacks and drinks, free WiFi, and extra legroom options on flights to various destinations.
- Air Canada: Air Canada offers direct flights to Canada and provides international connectivity through its global network.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines is renowned for its customer service and focuses on sustainability and innovation in air travel, connecting passengers to major cities on the west coast and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the primary airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
The airport is located 9 miles (14 km) southwest of downtown Cleveland.
Cleveland Hopkins International 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 world's 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. It was also the first airport in the United States to be directly connected to a local or regional rail transit system in 1968.
United Airlines had a hub at the airport until the mid-1980s, and it is still their largest carrier by passenger count. After United closed its hub, Continental Airlines moved in and became the dominant carrier. Other major airlines serving the airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air.
Yes, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is committed to providing a variety of services and accessibility options for travelers with access and reduced mobility needs. All customers are guaranteed fair and equitable treatment and top-notch services.
