Commemorates Milestone with Passenger Celebration on February 4th
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., February 4, 2025 – The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is thrilled to announce it surpassed 4 million passengers in 2024, marking the first time in its history that the Airport has exceeded the 4 million passenger mark. The Airport served a total of 4,172,068 passengers in 2024, nearly a 10% 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,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “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.”
To celebrate this achievement, the Airport is hosting a variety of festivities throughout the terminal today, including live music, a yoga class, free swag, a visit from the West Michigan Therapy Dogs and more.
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.
About the Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is Michigan's second-busiest airport, serving nearly four million passengers annually with seven commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 30 destinations. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport supports over 40,000 jobs and contributes more than $7 billion to the local economy each year. For more information, visit www.flyford.org or follow the airport on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram @FlyGRFord.
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