The Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport continued to reach new heights by setting a new all-time passenger record for 2015, surpassing the previous record in 2014 by more than 215,000 passengers.
In 2015, 2,550,193 passengers flew in and out of GFIA, an increase of 9.2% from the previous record of 2,335,105 passengers set in 2014.
Not only did GFIA shatter the end of the year numbers, but it saw steady increase throughout the year with each month in 2015 seeing a substantial increase in passengers. In July 2015, 234,282 total passengers passed through GFIA, the best month in Airport history. November 2015 was also a historic month as GFIA saw 205,088 passengers enplaned and deplaned – a 14.16% increase, and the first year that the Airport served more than 200,000 passengers in November.
Over the past three years, the Airport has recorded its strongest growth in its 52-year history, serving over 7.1 million passengers over the three-year time period.
“The past few years have been tremendous for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and we could not be more thrilled by the support received from our area business and leisure travelers who are choosing to fly to and from the Ford Airport,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.
“The strong growth is also drawing the attention of our airline partners as we work with them to add seats and flights to both existing and new destinations, and also further justifies the need for our Gateway Transformation Project to accommodate the increasing passenger demand.”
Construction on the Gateway Transformation Project began in December 2015 and is slated to continue through summer 2017. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which will centralize and combine security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport, eliminating separate screening for passengers traveling through either Concourse A or B. Construction also includes new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, restroom & lactation stations, family restrooms, pre and post security business centers, new retail and food & beverage space, and much more.
“As we continue to grow in traffic it is important that our facilities keep up with our passenger demand,” said Ryks. “Our investment in this project represents our commitment to improve amenities, infrastructure, technology, and customer service from our growing passenger base.”
