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Changes at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International affect regional economic role

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Changes at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International affect regional economic role
Policy
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Mindy Kershner Director, Communications, CVG Airport | Airports Council International - North America

In the 1980s, Delta Air Lines initiated operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, establishing a hub at the location with two terminals and 22 gates. Over time, Delta made significant investments in its infrastructure, building Delta Connection routes and investing $550 million to develop the site.

By 2005, the airport had become Delta's second-largest hub and the fourth-largest for any airline globally, with over 600 daily flights reaching 150 destinations. However, a series of unfortunate developments led to route reductions at CVG between 2005 and 2008. The closure of all operations by Delta's subsidiary, Comair, in 2012 marked a decline, and five years later, the hub was downgraded to a "focus city." This status was removed in 2021.

"Really got to work, put together a strategic plan that was diversifying our operations. That’s what it comes down to — diversification. We had all our eggs in one basket. Where we relied on one airline, you see what happens," stated Mindy Kershner, a CVG spokesperson, as airport officials were aware of the need to reinvent CVG post-reductions.

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In 2015, CVG gained a reputation as one of the most expensive airports, primarily due to Delta's significant presence in the 2000s. However, post-Delta's downsizing, smaller low-cost carriers entered the scene. Frontier Airlines became a major operator in 2013, paving the way for Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines. The airport also expanded its cargo operations, reintroducing DHL and hosting Amazon's $1.5 billion cargo facility.

“We’re here to serve this region and drive economic benefit. No better way to do that than through additional air service,” said CEO Candace McGraw, highlighting the increased cargo volume, which has doubled between 2016 and 2021.

Despite no longer being a hub, Delta maintains a maintenance hangar at CVG, with a lease extended until 2036, valued higher at $1.2 million annually. A fire suppression system installation is part of the contract, providing jobs for 70 employees.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport remains a critical point for Delta today, servicing 1,150 flights to 20 destinations in February. Delta is still the largest operator, holding a 23% passenger share.

Overall, the airport has diversified successfully, hosting low-cost and cargo carriers, which helped stabilize the economy. In 2022, the airport supported over 49,000 jobs and generated $9.3 billion in economic impact.

Organizations Included in this History
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