Grand Rapids, Mich. – Despite record cold temperatures and winter storms, February was another record-breaking month for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).
February 2019 marked the busiest February in GFIA history, beating out February 2018 for that record. The Ford Airport has seen passenger increases in 67 of the last 74 months, and 17 straight.
February 2019 saw 272,982 passengers compared to 251,680 in 2018 – an 8.46-percent increase year-over-year. Combined with January, GFIA is 7.84-percent ahead of 2018 passenger traffic - which was a record-breaking year with over 3.2 million passengers served.
“To continue our trend from 2018 into 2019 is quite a feat,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “The growth we have seen and the investment and excitement from our airline partners continue to spawn our upward trends. We are working hard to continue making facility improvements, and make the passenger experience an exceptional one.”
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
Along with construction, the busy Spring Break season is underway. As passenger numbers continue to grow at GFIA and around the country, 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 at www.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 that will begin service in 2019 as well as the addition of a maintenance base. Nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) will begin 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.
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.