Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is on the verge of a completely new era, and city leaders believe it’ll put it on a path to reach world-class status. Led by Mayor Justin Bibb and Airport Director Bryant L. Francis, the “CLEvolution” project is a bold $2 billion renovation with the goal of completely modernizing the airport’s infrastructure by 2032. At the center of the initiative is the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP), a long-term program designed to enhance and expand facilities, optimize passenger flow, and improve overall passenger experience. We hope these changes will not only better meet travelers’ needs but also serve to align with Cleveland’s growing aspirations as a competitive and dynamic city.
Upgrades Already Underway
Several components are already underway or in planning for the CLEvolution. The first visible development of the new Gold Lot parking facility is one of the ones. This $22.5 million, 1,600-space surface lot will be located near the now-closed Concourse D, and is expected to be ready by 2026. That will be followed up with a reconfigured current Orange Lot that includes a larger, modern parking garage for 6,000 vehicles. This $301 million project also includes a new ground transportation center and an upgraded RTA train station to enhance access to the airport.
A New Front to the City
Once the new garage and its attendant changes are complete, there will be one of the more dramatic, as residents will climb several flights of stairs to reach their apartments. A completely reimagined airport entrance will be made by demolishing the existing parking garage. The $1.1 billion project will be called a “modernized front door,” doubling the size of the current terminal and encompassing Cleveland’s coastal and industrial heritage. The design is inspired by the Lake Erie waves with a composition of stacked layers of glass and steel, allowing natural light to filter throughout the building through its openings, creating a vibrant and open space. Expanded curbside drop-off and a larger pick-up area, a more roomy check-in lobby, a combined TSA security checkpoint, and a better baggage claim level are all a part of the new facility. To serve the airport’s increasing global connectivity, a new international arrivals area with customs processing will also be introduced.
Meeting Passenger Expectations
The renovation addresses long-expressed passenger concerns and poor customer satisfaction ratings. CLE took last place among other similarly sized U.S. airports in 2024, as a J.D. Power study found the airport poorly ranked in terminal comfort, access, and ease of navigation. But airport officials admit these shortcomings and feel that the CLEvolution offers the chance to fundamentally change the airport’s image and performance. While travelers have previously dealt with outdated restrooms, long waits, and cold winter check-ins, the planned upgrades are expected to go straight to these pain points.
Economic and Operational Impact
The airport overhaul, of course, is more about economics than aesthetics. In 2024, Frontier Airlines opened a crew base at CLE, where more than 400 employees and an estimated $80 million in local wages per year are expected. It has also reintroduced direct flights to Europe, including a popular Aer Lingus route from London to Dublin, which is being extended through at least 2027.
Looking Ahead to 2032
Initial changes won’t be seen until 2026, but the whole thing will take seven years. Officials said discussions continue with regard to the future of Concourse D, hinting at further expansion in the pipeline. The city, now in need of a world-class airport, wants to improve the region’s capabilities to also complement the city’s broader long-term goals, emphasized Mayor Bibb, who added, “To have a world-class city, we need a world-class airport.” And while Cleveland Hopkins International Airport nears its 100th anniversary, CLEvolution represents the next chapter in the airport’s evolution with innovation, ambition, and a resolve to excellence in air travel.
