Cleveland City Council took a major step forward this week by approving new legislation that will launch construction of a brand-new $1.6 billion terminal at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Slated to open by 2032, this transformative project is designed to meet future travel demands while celebrating Cleveland’s heritage. New renderings reveal a terminal inspired by nearby Lake Erie and the city’s industrial past. With bright, spacious interiors, this modern facility will dramatically improve the experience compared to today’s aging and cramped terminal.
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New Infrastructure to Support Expansion
Before terminal construction begins, the airport plans to build a multi-level parking garage at the current Orange Lot site, offering space for more than 6,000 vehicles. Additionally, a brand-new Ground Transportation Center and a rapid transit station will be constructed at an estimated cost of $300 million. These projects are expected to be operational by 2029, significantly enhancing public access to the airport. Alongside these upgrades, a new parking lot, known as the Gold Lot, will be developed adjacent to Concourse D, adding 1,600 more parking spaces and set to open in 2026.
Shifting the Terminal for a Smoother Experience
One of the most notable changes in this project is the decision to relocate the terminal rather than build on the existing footprint. Unlike previous proposals, the new plan focuses heavily on improving pre-security or “landside” areas, such as check-in counters, lounges, and security checkpoints, before tackling upgrades to passenger gates and concourses. According to airport officials, this approach will not only reduce disruptions for current travelers but also provide a more intuitive and comfortable experience from the moment passengers enter the facility.
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A Long-Term Vision for Growth
Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis officially unveiled the airport project, emphasizing the importance of world-class infrastructure to support economic development. “Improving our airport is key to supporting Cleveland’s growth,” Bibb said. Francis also stressed that the primary operational challenges lie in the front-of-house experience, making the redesign essential for improving guest satisfaction. Fortunately, by building just a few hundred feet from the current terminal, airport operations can continue with minimal inconvenience. In the long run, this ambitious overhaul ensures that Cleveland stays competitive in both travel and business.
Cleveland Hopkins Airport terminal Overview
Project Name: CLEvolution – Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP)
Total Estimated Investment: $1.6 billion
Project Duration: 2025–2032
Location: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Cleveland, Ohio
Project Team and Stakeholders
Lead Consultant: Paslay Group
Design and Architecture:
Corgan (Lead Design Firm)
Connico
DVA Architecture, LLC
Robert P. Madison International, Inc.
McGuiness Unlimited, Inc.
Regency Construction Services, Inc.
Funding Partners:
Signatory airline partners
City of Cleveland
Additional funding approvals pending for future phases
