Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Guide: History, Terminals & Travel Tips

If you’re traveling to Ohio, you’ll likely pass through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). As the main airport serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, this airport is an excellent blend of aviation history and modern travel comfort, making it one of the most significant airports in the country.

Located 9 miles from downtown Cleveland, Ohio, this is one of the major airports in Ohio, but it also ranks within the top 50 busiest airports in the country. If you are traveling for business or pleasure, this airport is sure to offer you an outstanding experience.

Overview of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, abbreviated as (IATA: CLE), is a city-owned international airport serving a metropolitan population of nearly 4.9 million. The Cleveland Department of Port Control controls the airport. 

The airport also manages Burke Lakefront Airport, an alternate airport closer to downtown Cleveland. One of the most intriguing things about this airport is its proximity to NASA Glenn Research Center, one of NASA's major centers.

Distance Of Bruke Lakefort Airport From Other Airports

A Pioneer in Aviation History

Cleveland Hopkins is more than just another airport. It’s a pioneer in the history of aviation. Since its establishment in 1925, the airport has introduced many ‘firsts’ in the world of aviation. These milestones include:

• First airport to have an air traffic control tower (1929)

• First to introduce a ground-to-air radio control system

• First to introduce airfield lighting for nighttime flights

• First in North America to offer a direct rail transit connection

• First to offer a two-level terminal building with a separate arrival and departure area

These pioneering efforts have earned the airport a place in the annals of aviation history.

Airline Hub Evolution and Growth

The airport has witnessed many transformations in the world of airlines over the years. These transformations include:

• United Airlines had a hub here after WWII until the 1980s.

• Continental Airlines later made the airport a major hub in the 1990s and 2000s.

• After the merger with United in 2010, the hub was eventually shut down in 2014.

This has had a positive effect on the growth of other airlines. Low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air have been able to grow and expand. This has ensured a quick recovery in passenger growth and has also made air travel more competitive.

Destinations and Connectivity

Cleveland Hopkins Airport currently serves over 40 nonstop destinations. One notable international route is operated by Aer Lingus Airlines, which offers nonstop service to Dublin.

Terminal and Facilities

Cleveland Hopkins Airport boasts a two-level passenger terminal that was first opened in 1978. The terminal was modernized in recent years. The airport comprises four concourses:

• Concourse A serves Frontier Airlines, international arrivals, and charters

• Concourse B serves Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines

• Concourse C serves United Airlines and other majors

• Concourse D has been closed since 2014

Travelers can move between concourses after clearing security.

Amenities You’ll Find:

• Shopping and dining at the Cleveland Airmall (including regional favorites)

• Airport lounges such as the United Club and The Club CLE

• Artwork like the famous "paper airplane" sculptures

Runways and Infrastructure

The airport covers an area of 1,717 acres and boasts three runways that can accommodate regional jets as well as large commercial aircraft.

Ground Transportation Made Easy

Getting to and from CLE is easy and hassle-free:

• Direct access to the Cleveland RTA Red Line, which is located underneath the airport

• Taxis and ridesharing services are readily available

• Access to off-site rental car locations

The airport’s direct rail access is especially noteworthy since it was the first airport in the United States to offer direct rail transit access, a feature that has since been incorporated into many of the world’s major airports.

Ongoing Expansion: CLEvolution Project

As passenger traffic increases, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has embarked on a major upgrade and modernization project dubbed CLEvolution, which will see:

• A completely redesigned airport terminal

• Expanded security and check-in processes

• Additional gates

• Improved parking

The upgrade is set to completely transform the airport into a world-class facility.

Final Thoughts

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a perfect blend of history, innovation, and modern travel conveniences. From its pioneering days in aviation history to its recent upgrade in response to the rise of cheap flights, it has managed to evolve with the changing needs of travelers.

Whether you are looking for cheap flight tickets, planning your next destination, or looking for airport information in Ohio, CLE is here for you.