OUR HISTORY

From a single terminal in 1947, CVG has grown into a major international gateway, serving as many passengers today in one year as it handled in its first two decades. CVG is also a major driver of the local economy, helping to support more than 50,000 tri-state jobs.

Early Years
President Franklin Roosevelt approved preliminary funds for site development on Feb. 11, 1942. On Jan. 10, 1947, an American Airlines DC-3 touched down at the new Greater Cincinnati Airport (followed within minutes by Delta and TWA flights). The new airport was officially open for business.

Jet Age
With the dawn of the '60s, jets brought air travel to the masses. Delta was the first to introduce commercial jet service at CVG in 1960, and over the next 10 years, annual traffic numbers would double to more than two million. 

Along with this growth, terminals were expanded and updated. CVG added two new terminals in 1974. Comair started at CVG in 1977 and would become one of the largest commuter airlines by the mid '90s.

Hub Era
Following airline deregulation in 1979, CVG began to experience growth unparalleled in its history. As a Delta hub, CVG would become a major international gateway – growing from 35 nonstop destinations to more than 120.
 
To handle the phenomenal growth, CVG dedicated a new north-south runway in January 1991. In 1994, a $500 million expansion added a new Delta terminal, a new road system and an underground transportation system. The addition of Concourses B and C increased the number of airline gates to more than 100.
 
Today CVG offers nonstop service to more than 100 cities — more than twice the number of destinations served by the five surrounding airports combined. Delta has continued to strengthen its international network at CVG with flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris and Rome. The opening of a third north-south runway has placed CVG among the most efficient airports in the world.


More Detailed History