WVXU / Ann Thompson / January 16, 2023The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is looking to lower passenger stress levels in 2023 through innovation. Robots[CVG lays claim to be the first to try “Grab and Go” robots which serve travelers in Concourse B.](https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2023/01/10-tech-trends-that-will-shape-passenger-experiences-and-business-performance-in-2023/) (now Pittsburgh and Rome, Italy have them) Customers order from a mobile app and the robot brings food right to the gate.“Not everybody has the ability to stop at Trip Advisor, grab a couple of items and be on your way.” Airport Spokesperson Mindy Kershner says some people are unable to rush around the airport. CVG looks to expand the number of restaurants and concessions participating this year. Self-driving baggage tractors[ThorDrive](https://www.thordrive.ai/) has been testing its autonomous vehicles at CVG since the beginning of 2021. The self-driving baggage tractors could eventually transport passenger luggage to and from aircraft, [as WVXU reported](https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2021-02-01/autonomous-vehicles-making-their-debut-at-cvg).CVG’s Kershner says, “The next step for us is to work with our tenant airlines and hopefully adopt and scale up a fleet of autonomous vehicles.”Touchless technologies and biometricsThere could be a day when CVG doesn’t have kiosks. Kershner says the airport is looking into doing more with passenger phones. This could involve verifying identity, making secure payments and eliminating any printing.When Kershner was flying to Canada she had to get her face scanned. It’s possible CVG could do some biometric testing this year. Air Canada is one airline that uses it.Shortening lines with dataA complicated computer formula may be the reason you might see fewer bottlenecks.Layer by layer, the airport is adding pieces to its predictive passenger persona, the most recent of which is the University of Cincinnati’s artificial intelligence. The two have signed an agreement to work together on crowd prediction.Engineer Javier Viaña, was already seeing results [when WVXU interviewed him in March, 2022](https://www.wvxu.org/podcast/focus-on-technology/2022-03-07/cvg-ai-predict-passenger-movement).That data is plugged into CVG’s EASE system — or Enterprise Assets Situational Exceptions — a patent-pending hardware and software program the airport began using in 2019.Viaña’s program applies artificial intelligence to the system because there are so many variables like: Will passengers park a car? Will they check a bag? Are they with a group? When will they get food? Does a business traveler going to Orlando arrive the same time as a family of five?Using fuzzy logic, which is a kind of computer decision-making that relies on degrees of truth, it can predict surges of passengers in 15-minute increments. New airlines and destinationsBy April, Breeze Airways will start flying to Charleston, S.C., Providence R.I., and San Francisco and Orange County, Calif. Direct flights to London on British Airways begin June 5. CVG is also trying to do deals with airlines for greater capacity and additional destinations.Kershner says, “We have an amount of opportunity for existing and potential carriers to destinations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We also have several domestic markets we’re working to restore such as St. Louis, Kansas City, San Diego and others.”CVG says it caters to both business and leisure travelers and a [new category “bleisure](https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2022/06/27/what-is-bleisure-travel-and-how-is-it-transforming-the-hospitality-industry/?sh=259b97647231).” With remote work, more people are combining business and leisure or just hopping a flight to work from someplace with better weather.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2023-01-16/cvg-new-airlines-new-flights-new-technology)

Cincinnati Enquirer / Emily DeLetter / January 13, 2023There will soon be a new place to grab a cold one before boarding a flight at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.Construction has already begun on a taproom from Braxton Brewing Co., which is set to open inside CVG's Concourse A this spring.“We expect our passenger volumes to grow in the coming years, and with more travelers, comes the need for more food and beverage options,” Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG, said in a release. “We are pleased to welcome Braxton to CVG because we know travelers like to see and experience local flavors and brands in the airport.” Once open, the 1,500-square-foot space will offer another food and beverage option for travelers. The menu options have not yet been announced, although both Braxton's signature beers and seasonal offerings will be available.“Creating a unique experience for our taproom guests is something we love doing. Now, with the addition of our taproom in CVG, that’s an experience we’ll be able to create for both locals and those traveling through,” Jake Rouse, Co-Founder and CEO of Braxton Brewing Co, said in a release. "It’s important to us that this new taproom, just like our others, be a place where visitors can enjoy a craft beer and truly ‘lift one to life’.”[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/01/13/braxton-brewing-to-open-taproom-in-cvg-airport-concourse-a-this-spring/69804992007/)

WCPO / Molly Schramm / January 12, 2023HEBRON, Ky. — Covington, Cincinnati, Fort Mitchell, a forthcoming Union location and now CVG.Braxton Brewing Co. has surely made its mark on the Greater Cincinnati area, and it's not stopping, spreading its wings even further with a brand new location inside CVG airport.Located in Concourse A, flyers departing or arriving at CVG will be able to sip on Braxton's brews inside the airport.The location is currently under construction. Once complete, the taproom will take up 1,500 square feet.The exact opening date for the taproom hasn't been announced, but it's slated for spring 2023.“We expect our passenger volumes to grow in the coming years, and with more travelers, comes the need for more food and beverage options,” said Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG. “We are pleased to welcome Braxton to CVG because we know travelers like to see and experience local flavors and brands in the airport.”The full food and drink menu for the CVG location has yet to be revealed, but it will feature signature Braxton beers as well as seasonal offerings.Braxton began in Union, [where another taproom attached to a Dewey's Pizza and Graeter's Ice Cream is planned](https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/boone-county/union/graeters-and-braxton-brewery-opening-union-locations-with-new-development). The opening date for that development — which spans 5.6 acres and also features another retail shop and outdoor space — is set for some time between 2023 and 2024."Creating a unique experience for our taproom guests is something we love doing. Now, with the addition of our taproom in CVG, that’s an experience we’ll be able to create for both locals and those traveling through," said Jake Rouse, co-founder and CEO of Braxton Brewing Co. "It’s important to us that this new taproom, just like our others, be a place where visitors can enjoy a craft beer and truly 'lift one to life.'"[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/boone-county/hebron/braxton-brewing-co-spreading-its-wings-opening-taproom-inside-cvg)

Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / December 28, 2022Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport continues to send staggering amounts of cargo airborne from its runways, setting a new all-time record in October. It's a trend that could continue as the holiday shipping season reaches it peaks.Companies moved 190,562 tons of cargo through the airport in October, up from the previous all-time record set in September of 180,184. It’s the third month in a row CVG has broken the record.Overall, cargo volume is up 18.2%, year over year, for 2022.“I can’t say enough about how cargo does tremendous things,” said Bobby Spann, the airport’s vice president for external affairs.CVG remains the seventh-largest cargo airport in North America, with Miami being No. 5 and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport being sixth.Cargo [makes up an increasing amount of the airport’s landed weight](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2020/06/19/cargo-is-king-at-cvg.html), a key metric for CVG’s finances because airlines pay a fee for how many tons they bring into the airport. CVG charges about $2.25 for every thousand pounds of landed weight. In October, cargo accounted for 69% of the airport’s landed weight, an all-time high. Before the pandemic, the mix was closer to 55% cargo, 45% passenger.CVG’s two main cargo players are DHL, which has its North American superhub at CVG, and Amazon, whose $1.5 billion Prime Air U.S. hub opened in 2021. FedEx also has a presence. Diversifying the airport’s mix of both passenger carriers, as well as its passenger-cargo mix and real estate leases have been a major growth strategy over the past decade.For the past four years, CVG has been one of the fastest-growing cargo airports in the United States. The airport has 115 cargo plane parking spots and 890 acres devoted to cargo hubs.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/12/28/cvg-cargo-october-record.html)

WVXU / Ann Thompson / December 19, 2022Friday, Dec. 23 and the Mondays of Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 are expected to be the busiest travel days in the next few weeks. Here's how to get around with ease.Crowded interstates and busy airports are just part of getting where you're going this holiday season. AAA expects travel will be back to pre-pandemic levels next year, and we’re pretty close this year."Nearly 113 million people around the country will be traveling," says AAA's Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager. "Here in Ohio, 4.7 million will be traveling."The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 23, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) says it's already at pre-pandemic levels. Spokesperson Mindy Kershner says 400,000 people will come in and out of the airport doors over the next two weeks.However, most people will drive, and the fact that gas prices are coming down, Hitchens says, is a gift. Still, [the possibility of snow](https://www.wcpo.com/weather/snow-and-high-winds-coming-soon) has the potential to throw a wrench in any travel plans. She suggests [looking at the weather](https://www.wvxu.org/news-from-npr/2022-12-19/arctic-air-will-blast-much-of-the-u-s-just-before-christmas-forecasters-say) as you head into the weekend and also checking for any potential construction.Early is better"Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled flight departure," Kershner says. "I know we say that a lot, but even more so this time of year. You don't want to risk missing your flight and feel too rushed."She suggests checking in online at home and get familiar with TSA guidelines.One important guideline this holiday is not to wrap any presents you are taking in your checked luggage or carry-on. [The TSA says it may have to unwrap them if they are suspicious.](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/12/15/tsa-advises-travelers-check-packing-list-twice-know-whether-contents)On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at CVG, the USO and the Honor Flight will wrap your presents for free on the secure side of the airport.Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Thursday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the terminal. There is also a lit menorah on the baggage claim level.Where are people going?"Lots of warm destinations," says Kershner. "We have all those flights to Florida. So, Orlando, Tampa, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale."Javier Espinoza was taking his family to Mexico Monday. "We scheduled a trip to Cancún about three years ago. Due to the pandemic, we didn’t get to travel, but now with the travel, we’re going to go have some margaritas," he laughs.What could make this holiday travel season more challenging than most is people will be driving and flying for an extended period. "We expect people are going to be traveling the whole time," Hitchens says. "So, some people are going to get away for Christmas, some people are going to get away for New Year's and some people are going to get away for both."[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2022-12-19/dont-wrap-presents-travel-advice-tsa-holiday)

Cincinnati Enquirer / Emily DeLetter / December 7, 2022Breeze Airways is adding two new nonstop destinations from the [Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport](/home).The airline announced its [launch at CVG in October with two destinations](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/10/19/breeze-airways-to-fly-to-charleston-and-san-francisco-from-cvg/69573524007/), starting service in February.Now, the budget airline announced it will also begin flights from CVG to Orange County, California, and Providence, Rhode Island. One-way tickets will cost $59 if purchased by Dec. 13 for travel by Sept. 5. The airline will launch the routes on March 30 and flights will be every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.Tickets come in three categories: nice, standard seats; nicer, seats with extra legroom; and nicest, first-class seats.More new flights: [CVG launching direct flight to London with British Airways next year](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/11/16/british-airways-cvg-airport-london-heathrow-direct-flight/69653464007/)When it launches CVG service on Feb. 8, [Breeze will begin routes from CVG to Charleston, South Carolina, and San Francisco](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/10/19/breeze-airways-to-fly-to-charleston-and-san-francisco-from-cvg/69573524007/) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.“Breeze always looks for underserved routes where we can add nonstop flights, low fares and our brand of Seriously Nice service,” Tom Doxey, Breeze Airways’ president said in a release. “Today we’re excited to announce more service from Cincinnati before we’ve even flown our first flight from the airport.”[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/12/07/breeze-airways-cvg-flights-orange-county-providence/69707607007/)

Dayton Daily News / Jake Ryle, WCPO / November 28, 2022HEBRON, Ky. — Officials at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, or CVG, claim they’ll see the most number of travelers come through the airport since the beginning of the pandemic. That’s due in large part to holiday travel.The airport is buzzing with life in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The holiday comes on the heels of the “game-changing” announcement that British Airways would launch a direct flight from Cincinnati to London.“This is really the crown jewel of what we’ve been striving for for a number of years,” Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG Airport said during that announcement.Since McGraw became the CEO in 2011, the airport has seen a number of changes.“I heard her say this: ‘We needed to stop the bleeding and get focused on a plan.’ She put together a plan. We’ve been executing it ever since,” Mindy Kershner, a spokesperson for CVG, said in regard to McGraw.McGraw’s plan to turn around an airport that had seen nine consecutive years of passenger decline was complex.The year was 2005. Jobs were shuttered due to Delta Air Lines pulling its hub away from CVG, flights were cut, DHL moved its hub to nearby Wilmington, and airfare rates were sky-high. The future of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport looked bleak.Kershner said it was at that moment that airport officials knew they’d have to reinvent CVG.“Really got to work, put together a strategic plan that was diversifying our operations,” Kershner said. “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.”In 2013, under McGraw’s helm, CVG was able to attract Frontier Airlines, the airport’s first low-cost carrier. Shortly after that announcement, Allegiant and Southwest Airlines followed suit. According to the airport’s website, CVG’s cargo volume has grown by 100% from 2016 to 2021.The airport is home to DHL’s “global super hub” and a newly constructed $1.5 billion Amazon Air cargo hub.“We’re here to serve this region, and drive economic benefit. No better way to do that through additional air service,” McGraw said during the new route announcement.With the addition of British Airways, CVG now has 14 air carriers.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/cvg-reinvents-itself-in-years-following-delta-air-lines-hub-departure/5OWCBHEWQRBENLR473AF3PAYHU/)

Erlanger, Ky. (November 21, 2022) – It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday travel season. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is expecting the most travelers since the start of the pandemic, with passenger volumes at 95% of 2019 levels throughout the Thanksgiving travel week.The busiest days are expected to be November 21 and 27. The busiest times for departures are between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. The busiest times for arrivals are between 8:00 and 11:00 p.m.Those flying out of the tri-state area are heading to major U.S. cities including Denver, Boston, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando as the most popular destinations.Here are a few holiday travel tips:• The travel rule of thumb to arrive at least two hours early before your scheduled departure time is especially important this time of the year. Arriving three hours in advance is recommended for flights outside of the US. • Download your airline app days before your trip to get real-time notifications on flight status. You will be able to check your flight status as well as check-in and download your boarding pass.• Check your departure airport website for parking, concession, and security wait time information.• Family and friends waiting to pick up travelers should wait in the cell phone lot until the passenger is ready for pick up on the Arrivals level. CVG remains the regional leader in offering the most nonstop destinations and the lowest airfares. To review nonstop flights offered at CVG, please check [here.](/nonstopdestinations)

Cincinnati, Oh. (November 16, 2022) – Today, British Airways and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) announced a new direct route between the Cincinnati region and London Heathrow, which will begin operating in 2023. Starting on June 5, 2023, this will be the only direct flight between the UK and all of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, creating incredible new opportunities for tourism and business across both sides of the pond. The flight will operate five times per week in the summer season and four in the winter.London isthe capital city of the United Kingdom, and is known for its rich history, double-decker buses, and red phone booths. The city is home to many famous landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge. Travelers from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana can explore other cities throughout England or connect to other parts of Europe and beyond.Neil Chernoff, Director of Networks and Alliances at British Airways, said: “This is the first time we’ve flown this route, and we can’t wait to connect two cities which both have so much to offer. Not only will this open up these destinations to customers on each side of the Atlantic, but it will also improve connectivity between the Cincinnati region, Europe and beyond, with opportunities to connect to our wider network via London.” “British Airways’ nonstop service from CVG to London-Heathrow is an all-around win for the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana region,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “The United Kingdom, and London specifically, is the largest unserved international destination from our region. Travelers can fly direct to London or access many of the 46 countries and 113 destinations that British Airways flies to outside of the Americas.”McGraw continues: “The economic impact of this transatlantic flight is exponential for business travel, economic development, and tourism between the UK and our area of the United States. We look forward to a strong partnership with our new friends across the pond for many years to come.”Customers traveling to London will travel in comfort on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with a choice of three cabins – World Traveler (economy), World Traveler Plus (premium economy) and, Club World (business).British Airways is part of the oneworld alliance, which is among other airlines including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines, and more. American Airlines is the second largest carrier at CVG serving 12 nonstop destinations.Through the Atlantic Joint Business (AJB) this new route will offer customers even more exciting travel connections at competitive prices - on one ticket. The AJB brings together the flight network of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and LEVEL operating in Europe and Israel, and American Airlines in the USA.Tickets are now on sale for the route with introductory fares from $665. For more information visit [www.ba.com](http://www.ba.com).London Heathrow (LHR) to Cincinnati (CVG): Summer 2023| Days of week | Flight number | Departing LHR | Arriving CVG | Flight number | Departing CVG | Arriving LHR || - | - | - | - | - | - | - || Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | BA121 | 16:05 | 19:45 | BA120 | 21:30 | 10:15+1 |London Heathrow (LHR) to Cincinnati (CVG): Cincinnati: Winter 2023| Days of week | Flight number | Departing LHR | Arriving CVG | Flight number | Departing CVG | Arriving LHR || - | - | - | - | - | - | - || Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | BA121 | 16:00 | 18:40 | BA120 | 20:25 | 10:10+1 |[www.ba.com](http://www.ba.com)About British Airways’ flight network As the UK’s national flag carrier, British Airways serves more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines. The airline proudly offers customers flights to more destination from London than any other carrier. British Airways customers have access to one of the world’s most extensive flight networks, both domestically and internationally, offering flights to and from central airports at convenient times. It operates out of three major London airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City, and serves 27 destinations in the US alone. The British Airways route network continues to be reviewed and updated, with recent additions including a daily year-round service to Portland, Oregon, seasonal flights to the Azores in Portugal, and year-round flights to Nuremberg, Germany.The British Airways press office can be contacted at [americas.newsroom@ba.com](mailto:americas.newsroom@ba.com). To book, visit [BA.com](http://BA.com) and connect on Facebook @BritishAirways and Instagram @british\_airways.About CVG AirportThe Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019, serving a record number of local passengers. CVG offers the most nonstop destinations and the lowest average airfares in the Cincinnati region. The airport is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations. It is the 7th largest cargo airport in North America – home to Amazon Air’s primary U.S. Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas. With an annual impact of $6.8 billion on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in innovation. Learn more at [CVGairport.com](http://CVGairport.com)