City leaders on Tuesday unveiled details of a multi-phase, $2 billion project aimed at modernizing Cleveland Hopkins International Airport over the next decade. The plan includes a new terminal building, expanded parking capacity, and updated transportation infrastructure designed to serve as a 21st-century gateway for travelers.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis presented the updated plans, marking the largest capital investment in the airport’s 100-year history. The redevelopment shifts the planned location of the main terminal to the site of the existing Smart Parking Garage, allowing for greater expansion potential.
The centerpiece of the project is a new terminal building, estimated to cost $1.1 billion. Construction is projected to begin after the current parking garage is demolished and relocated, with the new terminal anticipated to open by 2032.
This facility is expected to offer expanded curbside pick-up and drop-off areas, a larger lobby for airline check-in, a consolidated security screening checkpoint, an expanded baggage claim area, and a new international arrivals facility. According to Francis, the modernized front door will be more than twice the size of the current structure.
Ahead of the new terminal, the project includes enhancements to parking and ground transportation. A new 1,600-space surface parking facility, known as the Gold Lot, is slated for completion in 2026 adjacent to the formerly closed Concourse D Gold Lot.
Following the Gold Lot, a new structure will be built at the current Orange Lot site, featuring a 6,000-space parking garage, a ground transportation center, and an upgraded RTA station. This $301 million phase is expected to debut by early 2029.
Airlines serving Cleveland Hopkins International Airport have already approved investments supporting early phases of the Terminal Modernization Development Program. In February 2024, airlines gave unanimous approval on $175 million for initial planning and design. Airlines are expected to fund much of the future terminal construction, with negotiations ongoing.
Recent work at the airport has included projects like renovating restrooms Restrooms, demolishing the former Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Hotel, and rehabilitating a pedestrian tunnel Tunnel Rehabilitation.
The announcement coincides with Cleveland Hopkins celebrating 100 years as a city-owned airport. The airport served over 10 million passengers in 2024, offering nonstop service to 42 destinations through 10 airlines, building on a surge in passengers in 2023 2023 Passengers.
Renderings released by architecture firm Corgan depict a modern terminal with natural light and streamlined passenger flow.
"I think all of us in the room here recognize for us to have a world-class city, we need a world-class airport," Mayor Bibb said.