Airlines agree to pay for first phase of Cleveland Hopkins terminal rebuild

Airlines at Cleveland Hopkins have agreed to fund the first phase of a massive terminal modernization project.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has reached an agreement with its airlines to fund the initial phase of a massive terminal redevelopment project, set to begin in 2025.

The airport, in a press release, said the airlines doing business at Hopkins have unanimously agreed to fund the $175 million first phase of the project, which eventually will include expanded ticketing and gate areas, new customs and security areas, more parking and better roadway access to the aging facility.

Ultimately, the airlines are expected to fund the bulk of the project, which could cost as much as $3 billion or more over the next 10 years, according to projections.

The first phase, according to the airport, will focus on what it calls “program definition” – including a more detailed look at cost estimates, the benefits of renovation vs. replacement, phasing to minimize impact on the customer experience as well as other aspects of the project.

According to the airport, “limited construction” is associated with the first phase.

In addition, subsequent phases will be subject to further support from the airlines.

Mayor Justin Bibb applauded the deal reached with the airlines.

“Approval of the first phase of the [terminal project] further demonstrates airline recognition of the need for CLE’s modernization, the strength of the Cleveland metro area and the commitment to the City of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio,” he said in a statement. “We want to thank our airlines serving CLE for their continued support, investment and partnership with the City of Cleveland.”

The terminal project was first initiated with a study in 2019, commissioned five years after United Airlines closed its hub in Cleveland, which transformed the airport into a facility serving primarily local travelers. Local travelers require more parking, more drop-off space, more security screening and other services.

The plan for a new terminal was announced in early 2021 when air travel was still severely depressed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, however, air traffic has largely rebounded at Cleveland Hopkins.

Last year, airlines, in negotiations with the city, expressed some concerns about the escalating cost of the project, which was initially estimated at about $2 billion.

Airport director Bryant Francis said the agreement is the result of many months of discussions with the airlines.

“The approval to commence the first phase of the [terminal project] is the culmination of many months of working together with our signatory airline partners and our combined commitment to deliver world-class facilities which our customers desire and deserve,” he said. ”Passenger traffic levels at CLE are now regularly surpassing pre-pandemic activity, placing further demands on the existing airport infrastructure and facilities.”

The airport in December hired a Texas firm, the Paslay Group, to lead the planning for the project. The company has already started work, according to the airport.

Cleveland Hopkins airport welcomed 9.9 million passengers in 2023, just shy of pre-pandemic volume

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