WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

Ford International Airport announces record passenger numbers for 2024

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- The Gerald R. Ford International Airport says 4-million passengers passed through its gates in 2024. That is a record for the airport, so it is hosting a variety of festivities throughout the terminal Tuesday, including live music, a yoga class, free swag, a visit from the West Michigan Therapy Dogs and more.

Last year, the airport broke ground on a $135 million Terminal Enhancement Project, extending the west end of the terminal to add public spaces, additional ticketing areas and a consolidated baggage-inspection system for checked luggage.

The airport near Grand Rapids said it served a total of 4,172,068 passengers in 2024, nearly a 10-percent increase over the record-breaking figures of 2023.

“Surpassing 4 million passengers in one year is a testament to the growth of West Michigan, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve our community,” Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in a news release. “The Ford International Airport has experienced tremendous growth, thanks to the dedication of our team and partners, who consistently provide world-class service to our guests.”

Here are more details from the airport news release:

Ranked as one of the top 10 best small airports in the country by USA TODAY, Ford International Airport is investing more than $750 million in critical assets through its capital expansion campaign, ELEVATE. This historic investment in West Michigan’s transportation infrastructure includes six projects aimed at supporting passenger growth and the overall economic health of the region.

In 2024, the Airport broke ground on its Terminal Enhancement Project, extending the west end of the terminal to add new public spaces, additional ticketing areas and a consolidated baggage inspection system for checked luggage. This $135 million investment will further support the West Michigan community for generations to come.

Terminal area expansion also continues to the east with Michigan’s first consolidated rental car facility (CONRAC) scheduled to open in 2026.

The Airport is currently served by seven commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 30 destinations, as well as one cargo airline. There were more than 80,000 aircraft operations at the Airport in 2024, with over 65 million pounds of cargo processed.

For more information about the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org.

 

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