Spokane International Airport: A Traveler's Guide To Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington, is served by Spokane International Airport, which is located at 9000 W Airport Dr, Spokane, WA 99224. The airport was previously known as Geiger Field, a major training base during World War II, and became Spokane's municipal airport in 1946. Spokane International Airport has undergone various expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of a second level to Concourse A and B in 1974 and plans for further expansion announced in 2022. The airport is easily accessible via bus routes 60 and 63, as well as several shuttle services.

Spokane International Airport's history

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the primary commercial airport serving Spokane, Washington. The airport covers 6,140 acres and operates two paved runways. Spokane International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation.

In 1938, Spokane County Engineer Clarence Griggs announced plans to build a "super-airport" known as Sunset Airport. Griggs emphasized the importance of the project not only to Spokane but to the entire nation. However, the development of Sunset Airport did not mean the abandonment of Felts Field, which was a significant aviation hub in eastern Spokane. In 1942, Sunset Airport was activated by General Hap Arnold and served as a base for the US Air Force's Washington Air National Guard.

During World War II, the airport was known as Geiger Field and served as a major training base for the Second Air Force. It was also used for aircraft maintenance and supply by the Air Technical Service Command. After the war, Geiger Field was transferred to Spokane County and developed into a commercial airport. In 1960, the airport, now known as Spokane International Airport, faced challenges accommodating the growing aviation industry, with the introduction of commercial jets and an annual passenger count of 270,000. This led to the construction of a new control tower and the migration of airlines from Felts Field to Spokane International Airport. The airport's name change to Spokane International occurred after Air Canada began service to Calgary in 1960.

The modern terminal at Spokane International Airport opened in May 1965, designed by architects Warren Heylman and William Trogdon with a futuristic flair. The terminal has been expanded and renovated over the years to meet the increasing demand for air travel. In 1975, the airport unveiled a 20-year plan to expand its terminal and runways, anticipating the growth in air traffic. The airport has continued to thrive on user fees and leases, without relying on general taxpayer support.

Spokane International Airport has also witnessed significant events in aviation history. In 1972, a Cascade Airways Flight 325 operating from Seattle to Spokane crashed in fog during its instrument approach, with all passengers and crew surviving. Additionally, the airport's air traffic control tower is named after Ray Daves, a World War II radioman who served at Pearl Harbor and Midway and later worked as an air traffic controller in Spokane.

Transport to and from the airport

Spokane International Airport offers various transport options for passengers travelling to and from the airport. Spokane Transit operates four bus stops at the airport, with bus routes 60 and 63. The airport is also served by other bus services, including the WSDOT's Travel Washington Gold Line, Northwestern Trailways, Wheatland Express, Queen City Shuttle, and Special Mobility Service.

For those driving to the airport, Spokane International Airport provides several parking options, including the Garage, Outside, C Concourse, and Economy Lots for long-term parking. Standard daily parking rates apply, and payment can be made at the exit or at QuickPay automated pay stations in the terminal. Vehicles parked for over 60 days without prior arrangements may be considered abandoned and relocated at the owner's expense. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight to allow for parking and transit to the terminal.

The airport also offers a complimentary shuttle service between the Economy Parking Lot and the terminal, operating from 3:30 am through the last flight arrival. The shuttle has designated pick-up and drop-off locations at the Economy Parking Lot shelter near Concourse C baggage claim and the terminal curb near the rental car counters. Real-time updates on shuttle wait times are available through the NextBus app or website, as well as on monitors inside the airport terminal.

For those seeking a more sustainable option, complimentary Level 2 ChargePoint EV stations are available in the Garage, Outside Lot, Economy Lot, and Cell Phone Lot. EV owners can use the ChargePoint app to locate and access available airport charging stations. Additionally, the Cell Phone Lot can be utilised by those waiting to pick up arriving friends or family.

Airport facilities

Spokane International Airport in Washington is served by five major and five regional carriers and processes over 3,000,000 passengers annually. The airport is categorised as a small-hub primary commercial service facility and is the second busiest airport in Washington state. Spokane International Airport covers 6,140 acres, making it the largest commercial/public airport in Washington state in terms of land area.

The airport has three main structures: Concourse A and B in the centre, Concourse C to the southwest, and the Ground Transportation Centre to the north. The two concourse structures are connected by a rotunda with dining and shopping vendors, but they are not linked on the airside. Concourse A has 5 gates, while Concourse B has 8. Concourse C, which was added more recently, features a contemporary architectural style with metal cladding and large curtain window walls.

Spokane Transit operates four bus stops at the airport, with bus routes 60 and 63. The airport is also served by several other bus services, including the WSDOT's Travel Washington Gold Line and the Queen City Shuttle. A consolidated rental car facility is located adjacent to the Ground Transportation Centre, which opened in 2008 to accommodate growing passenger numbers.

Spokane International Airport has a Master Plan, which includes the addition of a third runway and new gates. As of 2023, the airport is undergoing expansion, with plans to add centralised security, an improved operations centre, and expanded baggage claim space. The first phase of the project includes the expansion of Concourse C, adding 6 new gates and modernising the existing terminal.

Airport expansion plans

Spokane International Airport in Washington has been undergoing expansion since 2023, with the first phase of the project focusing on expanding Concourse C. The airport plans to add new gates, centralised security, and expanded baggage claim areas to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic. The expansion project, known as the TREX Program, aims to modernise the airport and provide a world-class travel experience for the Spokane Coeur d'Alene region. The first phase of the project, which includes six new gates and modernisation of the existing terminal, is expected to cost $150 million and was completed in June 2024. The second phase focuses on centralising the TSA screening checkpoint and baggage claim, as well as improving the operations centre.

The expansion plans also include a renovation of the Ground Transportation Center, which was built about 30 years ago. The renovation will cost around $7 million and will involve reconfiguring offices and rental car service counters, as well as expanding and renovating the ground transportation area. The airport's Master Plan also includes adding a third runway to accommodate the increasing passenger demand.

Spokane International Airport has a long history, dating back to World War II when it was known as Geiger Field and served as a major training base for the Second Air Force. After the war, it was developed into a commercial airport, becoming Spokane's municipal airport in 1946. The airport has continued to evolve, with the current Concourse A and B complex opening in 1965 and a second level added in 1974.

The airport is served by several bus routes and shuttle services, and it offers a consolidated rental car facility adjacent to the Ground Transportation Center. With the expansion project, the airport aims to attract more direct flights, including to the east coast, and to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region. By 2030, the airport expects to handle over 6.2 million passengers, connecting Spokane to the global economy.

Airport code

Spokane, Washington, does have an airport. Spokane International Airport, formerly known as Geiger Field, serves the city of Spokane, Washington. The airport code is GEG, which stands for Geiger Field, its former name. The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it was a major training base for the Second Air Force. It was also used as an aircraft maintenance and supply depot during the war. Spokane International Airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, with the current Concourse A and B complex opening in 1965. The airport continues to expand and improve its facilities to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is located at 9000 W Airport Dr, Spokane, WA 99224. The airport is easily accessible by public transportation, with Spokane Transit operating four bus stops at the airport. Several bus routes, including 60 and 63, serve the airport, providing convenient connections to the city. Additionally, the airport is served by various intercity bus services, including the WSDOT's Travel Washington Gold Line, Northwestern Trailways, Wheatland Express, and the Queen City Shuttle.

The airport has a Master Plan, which includes further expansion and development. As of 2023, the airport plans to add new gates, centralised security, and expanded baggage claim areas. The goal is to accommodate more direct flights, including to the east coast, to capitalise on the growing demand for air travel in the Spokane market. The first phase of this expansion includes a $150 million addition to Concourse C, adding 144,000 square feet, six new gates, and modernising the existing terminal.

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a large airport serving Spokane, Washington, and the surrounding region. It offers convenient connections to several destinations across the United States. The airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft and has a range of facilities for passengers and cargo. With its ongoing expansions and improvements, Spokane International Airport is poised to become an even more important aviation hub for the region.

Frequently asked questions