Spokane International Airport: Size, Growth, And Future Plans

Spokane International Airport is a 6,140-acre commercial airport in Spokane, Washington. It is the second-largest airport in the state, employing over 3,000 people and bringing in over 3.7 million passengers in 2022. The airport operates two runways and three main structures: Concourse A and B in the centre, Concourse C to the southwest, and the Ground Transportation Centre to the north. Spokane International Airport has been a significant contributor to Spokane's prosperity and aviation history.

Spokane International Airport covers 6,140 acres and has two runways

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a sprawling aviation hub, covering 6,140 acres of land. With roots tracing back to 1942, the airport has grown to become the primary commercial airport of Spokane, Washington. Not only is it a significant contributor to the region's economy, but it also boasts an intriguing aviation history.

The airport's vast expanse accommodates two paved runways, catering to a range of aircraft. Runway 3/21, the longer of the two, stretches to a length of 11,002 feet and a width of 150 feet. This asphalt and concrete runway underwent an extension in 2010, enabling heavier aircraft to depart during the summer months. Runway 8/26, equally as wide but shorter in length at 8,199 feet, complements the longer runway in serving the airport's busy flight schedule.

Spokane International Airport's passenger terminal stands as a bustling complex, featuring three main structures: Concourse A and B in the center, Concourse C to the southwest, and the Ground Transportation Center to the north. These structures are conveniently connected, providing easy navigation for travellers. The airport's ability to handle a substantial volume of passenger traffic is further enhanced by its bus stops, two parking garages, and ongoing expansion projects.

The airport's historical significance is also noteworthy. It was once known as Geiger Field, playing a role in World War II and later becoming Spokane's municipal airport in 1946. The airport has witnessed several notable aviation milestones, including serving as the departure airport for the last revenue flight of the de Haviland of Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop for Horizon Air in 2023. Additionally, Spokane itself holds a claim to fame, being the starting point of the first nonstop, roundtrip, transcontinental flight utilising aerial refuelling.

The airport is served by eight airlines and two air cargo carriers

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a 6,140-acre commercial airport served by eight airlines and two air cargo carriers. It is the second-largest airport in Washington State and is recognised as a small hub by the FAA.

The airport has three concourses with 32 gates, bus stops, and two parking garages. In 2023, the airport processed 4.1 million passengers and 77,000 tons of air cargo. It has a significant economic impact on the Spokane region, contributing $3 billion annually in direct and indirect economic benefits.

Airlines serving Spokane International Airport include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, is sometimes counted separately as the seventh airline, bringing the total to seven or eight airlines. These airlines offer non-stop service to more than 20 destinations across the continental US, including Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis.

To accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic, the airport has been undergoing expansion. In October 2022, the airport began Phase 1 of the Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) program, which includes expanding Concourse C by adding six new gates and modernising the existing terminal. The first portion of the expanded concourse, with three new gates, opened in June 2024, and the remainder of the project is expected to be completed by late 2025. The second phase of the TREX program focuses on enhancing security and baggage claim processes.

Spokane International Airport is the second-largest airport in Washington State

The airport has a rich history in aviation, with Nick Mamer and Art Walker completing the first nonstop, round-trip, transcontinental flight using aerial refuelling from Felts Field, one of the city's other airports. Spokane International Airport itself was once known as Geiger Field, which was established during World War II and became Spokane's municipal airport in 1946. The airport received its present name in 1960, and Air Canada began service to Calgary in the same year.

The airport has undergone several enhancements over the years, including the addition of retail space, expanded security checkpoints, and aesthetic renovations to the Rotunda. In 2010, 2,000 feet were added to Runway 3–21, enabling heavier aircraft departures during the summer months. The airport also has a new control tower, which is the tallest in the state, and plans to add new gates, centralised security, and expanded baggage claim space to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.

Spokane International Airport is easily accessible by public transportation, with Spokane Transit operating four bus stops and several other bus services serving the airport. The airport also has a consolidated rental car facility located adjacent to the Ground Transportation Center on the north end of the main terminal. With its continuous growth and development, Spokane International Airport plays a vital role in the region's prosperity and aviation history.

The airport is governed by a seven-member board, including community leaders

Spokane International Airport is a 6,140-acre commercial airport served by eight airlines and two air cargo carriers. The airport is the second-largest in the state of Washington and is governed by the Spokane Airport Board, which consists of seven appointees from two governmental bodies. The Board is responsible for the planning, financing, construction, and operation of Spokane's airports, including Spokane International Airport, Felts Field Airport, and the Airport Business Park. The Board has a mandate to provide the Spokane area with the best possible airport administration, facilities, and services, and it works to achieve this through prudent management of airport-generated revenues.

The Spokane Airport Board includes community leaders who possess proven leadership qualities and the ability to make sound business decisions. The Board meets regularly, with meetings held at Felts Field in April and September and at Spokane International Airport for the rest of the year. The Board also invests approximately $30 million annually in capital improvements, utilizing various funding sources.

Spokane International Airport has three main structures: Concourse A and B in the center, Concourse C to the southwest, and the Ground Transportation Center to the north. The airport has been undergoing various expansion and improvement projects to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic. For example, in 2010, 2,000 feet were added to Runway 3-21, and parallel taxiways 'A' and 'G' were expanded to enable heavier aircraft departures during the summer months. The airport also plans to add new gates, centralized security, and expanded baggage claim space to accommodate more direct flights.

The airport is easily accessible by public transportation, with Spokane Transit operating four stops and several bus routes serving the airport. Additionally, the airport is served by the WSDOT's Travel Washington Gold Line and other shuttle and mobility services. A consolidated rental car facility is located adjacent to the Ground Transportation Center, providing convenient options for passengers arriving at the airport.

Spokane's municipal airport was previously called Geiger Field

Spokane International Airport, a commercial airport in Spokane, Washington, was previously called Geiger Field. The airport is located around 7 miles (11 km) west-southwest of Downtown Spokane and is the primary airport serving the Inland Northwest, which includes 30 counties and areas such as Spokane and Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho. Covering 6,140 acres, it is the second-largest airport in the state of Washington and is recognised by the FAA as a small hub.

The property was initially known as Sunset Field before being renamed Geiger Field in 1941. In 1943, General Hap Arnold established the first formal fire protection training course at the field. It was served by a rail connection to the Great Northern Railway. Geiger Field closed in late 1945 and was handed over to the War Assets Administration (WAA) before being transferred to Spokane County, which transformed it into a commercial airport. In 1946, it became Spokane's municipal airport, replacing Felts Field. The airport hosted USAF Air Defense Command interceptor units during the Cold War for the air defence of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and Grand Coulee Dam.

In 1960, the airport received its current name, Spokane International Airport, after the City of Spokane was granted Spokane Geiger Field through the Surplus Property Act, and Air Canada began service to Calgary. The airport code, GEG, is still derived from its former name, Geiger Field, honouring Major Harold Geiger (1884-1927). The airport has undergone several expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of retail space, enhanced security checkpoints, and expanded concourses.

Spokane International Airport is served by seven airlines and offers non-stop service to over 20 destinations within the continental US. It processed over 4.1 million passengers and 68,981 US air cargo tons in 2019, contributing significantly to the Spokane region's economy. The airport is easily accessible via various transportation options, including bus routes, rental car facilities, and shuttle services.

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