07-05-2025
Cleveland Hopkins airport revamp: Here's what's coming
CLEVELAND (WJW) – A billion-dollar plan to transform Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is officially underway, with city leaders unveiling new details Tuesday about a multi-phase project that will unfold over the next decade.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis revealed updated plans that include a brand new terminal, expanded parking, and modernized transportation infrastructure. All of it, part of a $1.6 billion investment aimed at reimagining the city's primary airport as a '21st century gateway' for travelers.
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'It's a bold new departure for our airport,' Mayor Bibb said during a press event held on the pedestrian bridge connecting the terminal and parking garage. 'A world-class city needs a world-class airport.'
The redevelopment marks the largest capital investment in the airport's 100-year history. While past proposals focused on rebuilding the terminal in its current footprint, the updated plan shifts the main terminal to the site of the existing Smart Parking Garage allowing for greater expansion and design flexibility.
Phase 1: New Gold Lot 2026
A 1,600-space surface lot will be built adjacent to the long-vacant Concourse D. This project is expected to open in 2026 and help alleviate near-term parking needs.
Phase 2: Ground Transportation Hub 2029
The current Orange Lot will become home to a new $301 million facility featuring a 6,000-space parking garage, centralized ground transportation center, and an upgraded RTA station. This phase is projected to open by 2029.
Phase 3: New Terminal 2032
The centerpiece of the project, a brand new terminal, will be constructed where the Smart Parking Garage currently stands. Once the garage is demolished and relocated, work will begin on the $1.1 billion terminal, with an anticipated completion date in 2032.
Francis said the airport continues to negotiate financing details with major airlines, who are expected to fund much of the terminal construction. A final agreement could be reached as early as next year.
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The city also released preliminary renderings created by Dallas-based architecture firm Corgan, showing a sleek, modern terminal flooded with natural light. The design features floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings with skylights, spacious ticketing areas, and improved passenger flow from curb to gate.
'This design is a symbol of fluidity,' Francis said. 'It's a structure that dances with sunlight gliding through glass and steel to create a sense of calm and movement for travelers.'
The initial focus of the redesign will center on pre-security areas, including ticketing, check-in, and baggage claim. Improvements to concourses and gate areas are expected in future phases.
The announcement comes as Cleveland Hopkins celebrates its 100th anniversary as a city-owned airport. In 2024, the airport served over 10 million passengers and offered nonstop service to 42 destinations through 10 major airlines.
A Hopkins Airport official confirmed to Fox 8 that part of the plan has been submitted for approval to the FAA.
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