Key Takeaways
• Cleveland Hopkins launches $1.6 billion CLEvolution project starting June 9, 2025, to modernize its airport by 2032.
• Project includes new parking lots adding over 7,600 spaces, a transportation center, and a $1.1 billion terminal rebuild.
• City leaders and airlines jointly fund $175 million; phased construction maintains airport operations during upgrades.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Launches $1.6 Billion Expansion: What Travelers, Workers, and the City Can Expect
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has taken a major step toward its future by opening the bidding process for the first phase of its $1.6 billion Terminal Modernization Development Program, known as CLEvolution. This move, which began on June 9, 2025, marks the start of a sweeping transformation for Cleveland’s main airport. The project aims to completely rebuild and modernize the airport by 2029, cutting the original timeline in half and showing a strong commitment to making travel better for everyone who uses the airport.
This article explains what the CLEvolution project means for travelers, airport workers, local businesses, and the broader Cleveland community. It covers the project’s timeline, main features, leadership, funding, and the expected impact on daily airport life and the city’s economy.
Why Is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Expanding Now?
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, often called CLE, is the main airport serving Cleveland and the surrounding region. In 2024, the airport saw more than 10 million passengers—the highest number since 2008. This growth has put pressure on the airport’s aging facilities, especially in areas before security, such as ticketing, baggage check, and security lines.
Airport leaders, including Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis, have made it clear: for Cleveland to grow as a city and attract more business, it needs a modern, efficient airport. As Mayor Bibb put it, “for us to have a world-class city, we need a world-class airport.” The CLEvolution project is designed to meet these needs by rebuilding the airport’s core facilities, improving parking and transportation, and making the airport experience better for everyone.
What Is the CLEvolution Project?
The CLEvolution project is a massive, multi-year plan to rebuild and modernize Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The first phase alone will cost $1.6 billion and is part of a larger $3 billion Terminal Modernization Development Program. The project is timed to coincide with the airport’s 100th birthday in 2025, making it a fitting way to celebrate a century of service.
Main Steps of the Project
The project is divided into several key steps, each designed to address specific needs at the airport:
Step 1: Gold Lot Construction (2025-2026)
– Build a new $22.5 million parking lot next to Concourse D, called the Gold Lot
– Add 1,622 new parking spaces
– Open the Gold Lot to the public in 2026
– This step is already funded, thanks to $175 million from airline partners
Step 2: New Parking Garage and Transportation Center (2026-2029)
– Build a larger parking garage at the current Orange Lot site, increasing capacity from 4,000 to 6,000 spaces
– Create a new Ground Transportation Center for buses, taxis, and ride-shares
– Build a new Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Red Line rail station for easier train access
– Estimated cost: about $300 million
– Expected to be finished by 2029
Step 3: New Terminal Construction (2029-2032)
– Build a new, modern terminal with high ceilings and lots of glass, inspired by Lake Erie and Cleveland’s industrial history
– Include new ticketing, baggage check, and security screening areas
– The new terminal will be built where the current Smart Parking Garage stands
– Estimated cost: $1.1 billion
– Expected to open in 2032
Step 4: Demolition Phase
– Tear down the old terminal and walkways once the new terminal is open
– Remove temporary walkways, including the one from the Gold Lot to Concourse D
This careful phasing means the airport can keep running smoothly while construction is underway, with the new terminal being built just a few hundred feet from the current one.
Who Is Leading the Project?
Several key people and organizations are guiding the CLEvolution project:
- Mayor Justin Bibb: Announced the plan and is pushing for a modern airport to support Cleveland’s growth
- Bryant Francis: Director of Port Control, working closely with the mayor and city council
- Cleveland City Council: Approved the laws needed to start construction, with strong support from Council President Blaine Griffin
- Signatory Airline Partners: Provided $175 million in 2024 to kick off the project
- Paslay Group: Hired in 2023 to turn the master plan into real steps
- Design and Construction Team: Includes lead consultant Paslay Group, lead design firm Corgan, and partners like Connico, DVA Architecture, Robert P. Madison International, McGuiness Unlimited, and Regency Construction Services
This team brings together local and national experts to make sure the project meets the needs of travelers, workers, and the city.
How Will the Project Affect Travelers and Workers?
The CLEvolution project is designed to improve the airport experience for everyone, from travelers and airline staff to taxi drivers and airport workers. Here’s how:
For Travelers
- Easier Parking: The new Gold Lot and expanded parking garage will make it easier to find a spot, even during busy times.
- Better Transportation: The new Ground Transportation Center and GCRTA Red Line station will make it simpler to get to and from the airport by bus, train, or ride-share.
- Modern Terminal: The new terminal will have more space, natural light, and modern features, making check-in, baggage drop, and security faster and less stressful.
- Less Disruption: By building the new terminal next to the old one, the airport can keep running without major shutdowns.
For Airport Workers
- Safer, More Efficient Workspaces: New facilities mean better working conditions for everyone, from airline staff to security officers.
- Job Opportunities: The project will create construction jobs and, once finished, could lead to more permanent jobs as the airport grows.
For Local Businesses
- More Visitors: A better airport can attract more travelers, which means more customers for hotels, restaurants, and shops in Cleveland.
- Economic Growth: As Council President Blaine Griffin said, the project “promises to unlock a wave of opportunity for our local economy and our community.”
What Are the Main Challenges and Solutions?
Large projects like CLEvolution come with challenges, but the airport’s leaders have a plan to handle them:
- Keeping the Airport Open: By building the new terminal next to the old one, the airport can keep flights running and avoid major delays.
- Focusing on the Most Needed Areas First: The project starts with parking and transportation improvements, which are the biggest pain points for travelers right now.
- Short-Term Fixes: While the big changes are underway, the airport is also making smaller improvements, like fixing bathrooms and making security lines move faster.
How Is the Project Funded?
The first phase of CLEvolution will cost $1.6 billion. Funding comes from several sources:
- Signatory Airline Partners: Airlines that use the airport have already approved $175 million to get started.
- City of Cleveland: The city is working with airlines and other partners to secure more funding for future phases.
- Future Funding: Additional money will be needed for later steps, including the new terminal and demolition of the old one.
This investment is expected to pay off by making Cleveland more attractive to travelers and businesses, boosting the local economy, and creating jobs.
What’s Happening Now?
As of June 9, 2025, the airport has officially opened bidding for the first phase of the project. This means construction companies can now submit proposals to build the Gold Lot and start other early work. The Cleveland City Council has approved the laws needed to begin, and demolition of the old Sheraton Hotel has already started to make room for new facilities.
The project team is moving quickly, with the goal of opening the Gold Lot in 2026 and finishing the new parking garage and transportation center by 2029. The new terminal is expected to open in 2032, with demolition of the old terminal to follow.
Why Does This Matter for Cleveland’s Future?
The CLEvolution project is more than just a construction plan—it’s a key part of Cleveland’s future. Here’s why:
- Supporting Growth: With more than 10 million passengers in 2024, the airport needs to grow to keep up with demand.
- Attracting Business: A modern airport makes Cleveland more appealing to businesses looking to invest or hold events in the city.
- Improving Quality of Life: Easier travel means more opportunities for residents, from jobs to vacations to visiting family.
- Celebrating 100 Years: The project is timed to celebrate the airport’s centennial, showing pride in Cleveland’s history and a commitment to its future.
What Does the Timeline Look Like?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the main dates:
- 2025: Bidding opens, Gold Lot construction begins
- 2026: Gold Lot opens to the public
- 2026-2029: New parking garage and transportation center built
- 2029-2032: New terminal constructed
- 2032: New terminal opens, old terminal demolished
This timeline is much faster than the original plan, which would have taken until 2042 to finish.
How Can Travelers and Residents Stay Informed?
Travelers and Cleveland residents can keep up with the latest updates on the CLEvolution project by visiting the official Cleveland Hopkins International Airport website. The site provides news, construction updates, and information about how the changes may affect travel plans.
For those interested in the broader impact of airport expansions on immigration, travel, and economic growth, analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that modernizing airport facilities can make a city more welcoming to international visitors and new residents. Improved airports often lead to more direct flights, better connections, and a stronger reputation as a global city.
What Are the Next Steps for the Project?
With bidding now open, the next steps include:
- Selecting Construction Partners: The airport will review proposals and choose companies to build the Gold Lot and other early projects.
- Starting Construction: Work on the Gold Lot will begin soon, followed by the parking garage and transportation center.
- Ongoing Communication: The airport will keep travelers and the public informed about construction schedules, changes to parking, and any impacts on travel.
What Should Travelers Do During Construction?
While the airport is working to keep disruptions to a minimum, travelers should:
- Check for Updates: Before heading to the airport, check the official website for the latest information on parking and terminal access.
- Arrive Early: Construction can sometimes cause delays, so plan to arrive a little earlier than usual.
- Follow Signs and Staff Directions: The airport will have clear signs and staff to help guide travelers through any changes.
Conclusion: A New Era for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
The CLEvolution project is set to transform Cleveland Hopkins International Airport into a modern, efficient, and welcoming gateway for the city and the region. By investing $1.6 billion in new parking, transportation, and terminal facilities, Cleveland is preparing for a future of growth, opportunity, and easier travel for everyone.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an airport worker, a local business owner, or a resident looking forward to better travel options, the changes coming to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will have a lasting impact. As the project moves forward, staying informed and planning ahead will help everyone make the most of this exciting new chapter in Cleveland’s history.
Learn Today
CLEvolution → The $1.6 billion phased Terminal Modernization program to rebuild Cleveland Hopkins airport by 2032.
Gold Lot → New $22.5 million parking lot with 1,622 spaces opening in 2026 near Concourse D.
Ground Transportation Center → Facility for buses, taxis, and ride-shares improving airport access and travel connectivity.
GCRTA Red Line → Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s train line adding a new airport station by 2029.
Signatory Airline Partners → Airlines funding $175 million of the project to expand and modernize airport infrastructure.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport begins a $1.6 billion modernization, enhancing parking, transport, and terminals. Starting June 2025, CLEvolution accelerates completion to 2032, improving travel for millions, supporting economic growth, and celebrating 100 years with modern facilities and better passenger experiences.
— By VisaVerge.com
