By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
April passenger numbers are up 13-percent and total traffic at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has soared to over a million passengers served this year.
Through April 2019, 1,164,409 passengers have traveled through the airport, and overall passenger traffic is up 11-percent from 2018 – the busiest year in GFIA history.
April 2019 saw 292,699 passengers compared to 259,106 in 2018. April 2019 also beats out April 2018 as the busiest April in airport history.
The Ford Airport has seen passenger increases in 69 of the last 76 months and 19 straight.
“People ask us repeatedly what is our key to success, and we credit our team’s tremendous efforts in safety, customer service, innovation and maintenance, mixed in with an outpouring of community support,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “We know passengers have choices when they fly, but more and more we are seeing our West Michigan community choose the Ford Airport. Our airline partners keep adding routes, frequencies, and capacity because they know our community is supporting the service.”
The Airport is underway on Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions. Updates on construction at the airport can be found here:https://www.grr.org/construction.php
As passenger numbers continue to grow at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more information to make security screening smoother are available atwww.tsa.gov.
The growth is expected to continue further into 2019 with more air service coming to the Ford Airport. Airline partner Allegiant has announced three new nonstop destinations in 2019 as well as the addition of a maintenance base. Nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) began on April 5. Nonstop service to Nashville (BNA), and Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) will begin in June.
GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website:http://www.flyford.org/history.php.
