Grand Rapids, MI – 2014 was a banner year for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) as it hit an all-time passenger record total of 2,335,105. The more than 2.3 million people that flew in and out of GFIA in 2014 breaks the Airport’s previous record of 2,275,332 set in 2011.
In total, over 65 million people have flown through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in its 51-year history.
“Our record breaking year is a reflection of the thriving West Michigan economy and expanded air service at the Ford International Airport,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “Our community continues to support our airport and its growth. We’re excited to see airlines invest and expand opportunities in our market, and we’re confident that even more growth will follow in the coming years.”
In 2013, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport had a total of 2,237,979 enplaned and deplaned passengers. The record-breaking number of 2,335,105 passengers in 2014 is a 4.34-percent increase.
2014 marked the first full year of service for Southwest Airlines in the Grand Rapids market. In addition, the US Airways-American Airlines merger added nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Charlotte and Philadelphia in September, and Delta added a fourth daily nonstop flight to Atlanta in October 2014.
“Our airline partners see opportunity in West Michigan and that is why they continue to add routes and capacity,” said Ryks. “We are thankful to have the support of each of these airlines, and our area travelers.”
In addition to setting an all-time passenger number record, GFIA set monthly passenger number records in seven months in 2014 (March, April, May, June, September, October and December).
GFIA monthly passenger statistics can be found on our website here.
