In 2023, the Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids broke its record for number of passengers served. At 3,794,915 travelers, that’s up 6% from the previous high in 2019.
The single busiest month in airport history was October 2023 with 349,987 travelers.
Ford International is ranked as one of the fastest-growing airports in the country by the Federal Aviation Administration. Its currently undergoing a $600 million growth plan called “ELEVATE.”
It’s a package of six projects including the already-underway renovation of Concourse A. It will match the addition that opened with eight new gates in 2023.
The airport will break ground on an extended baggage claim and ticketing area, plus add a checked bag inspection system.
The ELEVATE plan also focuses on replacing and relocating the airport’s control tower which is 60 years old, the second oldest in the nation’s top 100 markets.
Last year, USA Today named the Gerald R Ford International the nation’s best small market airport.
