Cleveland Hopkins Airport $1.1B Overhaul to Boost Regional Travel by 2032

The $1.1 Billion Cleveland Hopkins Terminal Overhaul: A New Era for Air Travel in Northeast Ohio

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is set to undergo a transformative $1.1 billion redevelopment that promises to reshape the traveler experience and redefine the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub. The centerpiece of this ambitious project is a brand-new terminal to be constructed on the site of the current Smart Parking Garage, with a targeted opening in 2032. This long-awaited modernization comes at a critical juncture for the airport, which has seen rising passenger traffic and mounting pressure to improve aging infrastructure.

Announced in May 2025 by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis, the project not only represents a significant investment in local infrastructure but also signals Cleveland’s commitment to becoming a world-class city with world-class amenities. With a phased rollout that includes new parking facilities, a Ground Transportation Center, and an updated RTA station, the plan aims to minimize disruption while maximizing long-term value for both travelers and the regional economy.

This article explores the scope, significance, and strategic vision behind the Cleveland Hopkins redevelopment, offering insights into its phased implementation, design philosophy, economic impact, and alignment with national and global airport trends.

Strategic Phasing and Infrastructure Planning

Phase One: Parking and Ground Transportation

The first major step in the redevelopment is the construction of a new 6,000-space parking garage on the current Orange Lot, slated for completion in 2029. This facility will replace the existing Smart Parking Garage, which will later be demolished to make room for the new terminal. The plan ensures continuity in parking services and aims to address long-standing capacity issues that have plagued travelers during peak seasons.

In addition to parking, the new garage will house a Ground Transportation Center and a relocated RTA Red Line station. This move aligns with broader transportation goals by improving multimodal connectivity and reducing reliance on personal vehicles. The integration of public transit options is a forward-thinking approach that reflects sustainability trends in airport planning.

Before the Orange Lot garage is completed, a new Gold Lot with 1,600 spaces will be constructed adjacent to the long-closed Concourse D, with an expected opening in 2026. This interim solution ensures that travelers will not experience a reduction in parking availability during construction.

“We’re really wanting and needing to focus on improving the front of house,” said Bryant Francis, Director of Port Control. “That’s critical to improving the guest experience.”

Phase Two: Terminal Construction and Design Features

Once the new parking infrastructure is in place, the current garage will be demolished to make way for the new terminal. Designed by Dallas-based Corgan architects, the terminal will feature expansive glass walls, high ceilings with skylights, and architectural nods to Lake Erie and Cleveland’s industrial heritage. These elements aim to create a sense of place while enhancing natural lighting and passenger comfort.

The new terminal will focus primarily on landside improvements, including updated ticketing and baggage claim areas, a consolidated TSA screening checkpoint, and a new customs facility. Post-security, travelers will find a modern food court and retail spaces, although upgrades to gate areas and concourses are deferred to a later phase.

Importantly, the new terminal will be built a few hundred feet from the existing structure, connected by pedestrian bridges. This approach minimizes operational disruptions and allows for continuous airport functionality during construction.

Funding and Airline Partnerships

Financing such a massive project requires close coordination with airline stakeholders. As of May 2025, airlines operating at CLE have committed $301 million toward the new parking garage and an additional $175 million for pre-construction activities. Negotiations are ongoing for the remainder of the terminal’s $1.1 billion cost, with final agreements expected in 2026.

Representatives from United and Frontier Airlines, the airport’s two largest carriers, have expressed support for the plan. Their involvement is crucial not only for funding but also for ensuring that the terminal meets operational needs and passenger expectations.

Airport officials are optimistic that continued collaboration with airline partners will result in a fully funded, state-of-the-art facility that positions CLE for long-term success.

Economic and Regional Impact

Boosting Local Economy and Job Creation

The terminal overhaul is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and stimulate economic activity across Greater Cleveland. From contractors and engineers to hospitality and retail workers, the project’s ripple effects will be felt well beyond the airport grounds.

Local businesses are also likely to benefit from increased foot traffic and improved traveler experiences. The airport has announced an Industry Day on June 3 to engage regional contractors and suppliers, emphasizing its commitment to local economic inclusion.

By modernizing its primary gateway, Cleveland positions itself to attract more business travelers, tourists, and events, thereby enhancing its competitiveness among peer cities like Pittsburgh and Columbus.

Passenger Experience and Capacity Management

In 2024, CLE served over 10.17 million passengers, the highest volume since 2008. Unlike the past, when CLE served as a hub for Continental Airlines, today’s travelers are predominantly origin-and-destination passengers. This shift places greater demand on parking, check-in, baggage, and security facilities.

The new terminal addresses these challenges head-on by expanding landside services and streamlining passenger flow. A single centralized TSA checkpoint and updated baggage systems are expected to significantly reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency.

While airside improvements are not included in the initial phase, airport officials have committed to revisiting concourse and gate upgrades in the near future. This phased approach allows CLE to tackle its most pressing issues first while laying the groundwork for comprehensive modernization.

Alignment with National and Global Trends

According to the Airports Council International (ACI), North American airports are projected to invest over $150 billion in capital improvements through 2025. Cleveland’s redevelopment is part of this broader trend, reflecting a nationwide push to modernize aging infrastructure and accommodate future growth.

Other major projects, such as those at LaGuardia and O’Hare, have similarly focused on integrating public transit, enhancing passenger amenities, and adopting sustainable design practices. Cleveland’s inclusion of an RTA station and Ground Transportation Center mirrors these efforts and positions the city as a forward-thinking player in the aviation space.

Globally, airports like Amsterdam Schiphol have prioritized rail connectivity and environmental sustainability. While Cleveland’s project is still in its early stages, its focus on accessibility and efficiency suggests a willingness to embrace best practices from around the world.

Conclusion

The $1.1 billion redevelopment of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is more than a construction project, it’s a strategic investment in the city’s future. By addressing critical infrastructure needs and enhancing the passenger experience, the new terminal promises to elevate CLE’s status as a regional hub and economic driver.

As the project moves forward, continued collaboration with airline partners, local businesses, and the broader community will be essential. With careful planning and execution, Cleveland’s “CLEvolution” could serve as a model for other mid-sized airports facing similar challenges.

FAQ

When will the new Cleveland Hopkins terminal be completed?
The new terminal is expected to open in 2032, following the completion of the new parking garage and other preparatory infrastructure.

What will happen to the current terminal and parking garage?
The existing Smart Parking Garage will be demolished to make room for the new terminal. The current terminal will eventually be torn down after the new facility is operational.

Will the new terminal include upgrades to gate areas?
Not initially. Upgrades to concourses and gate areas are planned for a future phase, once the landside terminal is completed.

Sources: Cleveland.com, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Airports Council International (ACI), Boyd Group International