A recent surge in passenger traffic has created a shortage of parking spaces at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
After handling 7.6 million travelers in 2014, the airport served 9.6 million passengers last year and is projected to exceed 10 million in 2019. The shortage is partly a result of the 2014 demolition of the long-term parking lot; since then, satellite parking areas have regularly filled to capacity.
Airport officials are pursuing solutions to ease the parking crunch and develop a consolidated ground transportation center. As part of that work, they will also review concourse configurations and the number of gates available to airlines to ensure the terminal can accommodate growing demand.
To guide planning for the next decade, the airport has engaged outside consultants to create a new Master Plan that reflects anticipated growth. The planning effort is expected to cost approximately $4.5 million and will consider parking, ground transportation, terminal layouts, and gate requirements.
Despite the challenges, there are positive signs for Cleveland Hopkins. The airport was recognized as the most improved airport in North America in the Airport Service Quality Awards, a distinction that highlights progress in passenger experience and service.