Grand Rapids, Mich. – Air travel is up at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, according to passenger numbers released this week.
The airport saw a 9.4% increase in passenger activity in September 2013 compared to September 2012. In September 2012, GFIA had 83,537 enplaned passengers and 81,027 deplaned passengers. In September 2013, GFIA had 92,173 enplaned passengers and 87,828 deplaned passengers.
Southwest Airlines arrived in Grand Rapids on August 11, 2013 and the reported numbers include the first full month of Southwest’s service. Southwest, which bought out AirTran, had 27,451 passengers in September 2013. AirTran had 13,197 passengers in September 2012.
“We are working hard to ensure our customers have as many options as possible from both network and low cost carriers when flying to and from GFIA,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.
“January started the year up 2% over January of 2012 and our month-to-month numbers have continued to exceed each month of the previous year. Passenger numbers took the largest jump in September (9.4%) the first full month of Southwest service. We are very encouraged by the initial response we’ve seen to the new Southwest service from area travelers.”
Delta Airlines, United Airlines & Allegiant Air also saw increases in passenger numbers in September 2013.
