Owais Crawford
Gerald R. Ford International Airport, also known as Grand Rapids Airport, is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, Michigan, United States. The airport is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and managed by an independent authority. During a potential blizzard in December 2022, airport officials stated that the airport would remain open 24 hours a day, year-round, despite the possibility of severe weather. While some surface areas may close during plowing operations, the airport itself will not shut down due to snow, leaving the decision to continue or cancel flights to the airlines.
Is Grand Rapids Airport shut down?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status | Grand Rapids Airport is open 24 hours a day, all year round |
| Location | Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, US |
| History | First airport opened in November 1919, 6.4 km south of downtown Grand Rapids. The current airport opened on November 23, 1963, and was dedicated on June 6, 1964. |
| Services | Offers shops, dining, and parking options. Served by Rapid Route 27, Airport Industrial, with connections to downtown Grand Rapids and other areas via additional routes. |
| Weather | A potential winter storm in West Michigan during Christmas 2022 may have impacted operations, but the airport did not shut down. |
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What You'll Learn
Grand Rapids Airport won't shut down due to severe weather
Grand Rapids Airport—formally known as Gerald R. Ford International Airport—has assured travelers that it will not shut down due to severe weather. While a potential blizzard or winter storm in West Michigan could cause travel disruptions during the Christmas season, the airport has stated that it will remain open and operational.
Craig Williams, the airport director for Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, explained that while certain surface areas may need to close for plowing, the airport itself will not shut down. He emphasized that the decision to cancel or delay flights due to severe weather rests with the airlines and their weather teams.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is a busy travel hub, expecting around 165,000 people to pass through the airport between December 19 and January 2. As a small hub primary commercial service facility, the airport is well-equipped to handle severe weather conditions and has procedures in place to ensure the safety of travelers and staff.
In the event of severe weather, the airport may close one of its three runways to allow for clearing and maintenance. However, the airport remains committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the flow of travel for its customers. With a history dating back to 1919, Grand Rapids Airport has a long-standing reputation to uphold as one of the primary airports in West Michigan.
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Gerald R. Ford International Airport is open 24/7
Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is a busy hub, serving around 165,000 people between December 19 and January 2. The airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including shops, restaurants, and parking options.
The airport's history dates back to 1919 when the first airport in Grand Rapids broke ground. The present-day airport, located in Cascade Township, opened in 1963 and has been serving the area ever since. It was renamed in 1999 to honour Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented the Grand Rapids area in the House of Representatives for over two decades.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is committed to continuous improvement and development. In 2019, the airport announced Project Elevate, a $90 million expansion and enhancement project. This included expanding Concourse A to add 8 more gates, relocating and constructing a new air traffic control tower, and building a federal inspection station to streamline international travel. These developments contribute to the airport's efficient operations and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
The airport provides convenient ground transportation options as well. The Rapid Route 27, Airport Industrial, connects the airport and Woodland Mall during weekdays, from where passengers can use other routes to reach downtown Grand Rapids or other destinations across town. Additionally, the airport offers parking options to accommodate different needs, including short-term and long-term parking, with specific height restrictions for the parking garage.
Whether it's a blizzard or a busy holiday season, Gerald R. Ford International Airport is prepared to keep its doors open for travellers. Its dedication to remaining operational and continuously improving its facilities makes it a reliable gateway to and from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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The airport has a shuttle service to/from the terminal
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is open 24 hours a day, all year round. It is located in Cascade Township, about 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. The airport provides a shuttle service to and from the terminal for passengers.
The Economy Lot shuttle service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing passengers with a convenient way to get to and from the airport terminal. The shuttle service is available for a small fee, and passengers can book their rides in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
In addition to the official airport shuttle service, passengers can also utilise other transportation options, such as taxi services and ridesharing. Taxi services are readily available at the airport, and passengers can exit the terminal through door #3 or door #5 to access the climate-controlled Parking Shuttle Shelter, where a taxi starter will assist with their cab arrangements. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular choices, and passengers can use their mobile devices to request a ride through the respective apps.
Furthermore, the airport is served by the Rapid bus system, with Route 27 connecting the airport to Woodland Mall (Kentwood Station) during weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. From Woodland Mall, passengers can easily transfer to other routes to reach their final destinations in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.
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The airport has a variety of shops and dining options
Grand Rapids Airport (code: GRR) has a variety of shops and dining options. The airport features a small but modern terminal with two concourses (A and B). Eateries and newsstands/gift shops are on both sides of security. After these services close for the night, vending machines are the only source of food and drink, so plan accordingly.
Concourse A is a bit quieter, which is perfect for catching up on work or reading before your flight. In Concourse A, you can grab a coffee at Biggby Coffee or a quick bite at Great American Bagel. For a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner option, Aletitude, overseen by Paradies Lagardère, offers a full-service restaurant experience. If you're looking for something sweet, try the treats at Hudson News or Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe.
Concourse B features Bell's Brewery, where you can enjoy a local craft beer, and Arnie's Bakery & Restaurant, which offers sandwiches and more. Blue Bridge Market, located on Concourse B, offers West Michigan favourites from Madcap Coffee to Nantucket Bakery.
In the Main Terminal, you can find a food court with various options, including a sit-down restaurant. The Grand Rapids Magazine Newsstand offers reading material, and the Michigan Marketplace provides souvenirs. For a grab-and-go option, try Freshii in the Main Terminal for healthy salads, wraps, and bowls.
If you're looking for last-minute travel essentials or Michigan-themed souvenirs, the Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store offers a wide range of items, including books, magazines, apparel, snacks, travel gear, and electronics like portable chargers, headphones, and earbuds. Thornapple Essentials is another convenient store offering snacks, toiletries, and clothes for any last-minute needs. INK by Hudson is a unique combination of a wine bar and contemporary bookstore, offering books, travel essentials, and gifts.
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The airport is located in Cascade Township, 13 miles from Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Airport, officially known as Gerald R. Ford International Airport, is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The airport is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and is managed by an independent authority. It was first opened in 1919, four miles south of downtown Grand Rapids, and was the first airport in the city. In 1959, construction began on the current airport in Cascade Township, which opened in 1963. The airport was renamed in 1999 to honour Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented the Grand Rapids area in the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the primary commercial airport in West Michigan and is one of only two airports west of Lansing with mainline commercial service. As of July 2023, the airport offered flights to 33 airports across the United States. The airport is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and has stated that it will remain open even during severe weather conditions, although individual airlines may make the decision to cancel flights.
The airport has undergone several expansions and developments over the years, including the addition of new runways and the extension of existing ones. In 2019, the airport announced Project Elevate, a $90 million expansion and extension of Concourse A, adding eight more gates. This phase of development also included the relocation and construction of a new air traffic control tower and the establishment of a federal inspection station to facilitate international flights.
The airport provides a variety of services and amenities for travellers, including shops, dining options, and parking facilities. Rapid Route 27, Airport Industrial, connects the airport to Woodland Mall (Kentwood Station) during weekdays, allowing passengers to travel to downtown Grand Rapids or other areas via connecting bus routes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the airport is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, severe weather may cause the closure of some surface areas and runways. The decision to cancel or divert flights due to weather is made by the airlines.
The name of the airport serving Grand Rapids, Michigan is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
The first airport in Grand Rapids broke ground in November 1919, eight years after the area witnessed its first landing at Comstock Park State Fairgrounds. The present-day airport in Cascade Township opened on November 23, 1963, and was dedicated on June 6, 1964.
