Lois Larson
Spokane International Airport (IATA: GEG, ICAO: KGEG, FAA LID: GEG) is located in Spokane, Washington, United States. It is the primary airport serving the Inland Northwest, which includes areas such as Spokane, the Tri-Cities in Eastern Washington, and Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho. The airport offers non-stop service to over 20 destinations across the continental US, including Phoenix. As of 2023, Spokane International Airport is the 73rd-busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger enplanements. The airport has plans to expand its facilities and add more direct flights, including to the East Coast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | GEG |
| Location | Spokane, Washington, United States |
| Distance from Downtown Spokane | 7 miles (11 km) |
| Area Served | Inland Northwest, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Eastern Washington, Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho |
| Ranking in the US | 73rd busiest airport in terms of passenger enplanements |
| Total Passengers (2024) | 4,264,875 |
| Ranking in Washington State | Second busiest airport |
| Airlines | 7 |
| Destinations | More than 20 in the continental US |
| Upcoming Improvements | New gates, centralized security, expanded baggage claim, direct flights to the East Coast |
| Concourse Structures | Concourse A, B, and C, with Concourse A and B in the center and Concourse C to the southwest |
| Concourse A Gates | 5 (11-15) |
| Concourse B Gates | 8 (1-8) |
| Former Name | Sunset Field (before 1941) |
| Renamed After | Major Harold Geiger |
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What You'll Learn
Spokane International Airport's expansion plans
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the second-largest commercial airport in Washington state and the 73rd busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger enplanements. The airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic in recent years, with a record of over 4 million passengers in 2019 and a projection of serving more than 6.2 million passengers by 2030. To accommodate this increasing demand, Spokane International Airport has embarked on a series of expansion plans and projects to enhance its infrastructure and improve the travel experience.
One of the most significant expansion projects is the Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) program, which aims to modernise and expand the airport's facilities. The first phase of TREX involves the expansion of Concourse C, adding 144,000 square feet, six new gates, and modernising the existing terminal. The project broke ground in October 2022, with an estimated cost of $150 million. The first portion of the expanded concourse, including three gates at the west end, opened in June 2024, with the remainder planned for completion by late 2025.
The second phase of the TREX program focuses on enhancing security and baggage claim processes. It includes the creation of a centralised TSA screening checkpoint, an expanded baggage claim area, and an improved operations centre. Additionally, the program encompasses the modernisation of Concourses A and B, with plans to relocate rental car facilities and enhance dining and retail options through a partnership with SSP America. The Central Hall, a key component of this phase, is estimated to cost $179 million and is scheduled for construction between 2025 and 2027.
Beyond the TREX program, Spokane International Airport is also making improvements to its ground transportation facilities. The airport has allocated $7 million for renovating and expanding the northernmost portion of the terminal, known as the Ground Transportation Center, to better meet the changing needs and preferences of travellers. This includes reconfiguring offices and rental car service counters, as well as enhancing the overall ground transportation area.
Furthermore, while not an immediate priority, the airport has considered the potential need for a third runway in the long term. Airport officials recognise that while larger planes may reduce the necessity for a third runway, future trends may dictate otherwise. As a result, they are adopting a flexible approach, keeping the option open for further expansion down the line.
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The airport's ranking in the US
Spokane International Airport (IATA: GEG, ICAO: KGEG, FAA LID: GEG) is located in Spokane, Washington, approximately 7 miles (11 km) west-southwest of Downtown Spokane. As of 2023, Spokane International Airport ranked as the 73rd busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger enplanements, with a total of 4,264,875 passengers served in 2024. This makes it the second busiest airport in the state of Washington.
Spokane International Airport offers non-stop service to over 20 destinations across the continental US. 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.
Now, let's take a look at the rankings of some of the busiest airports in the United States:
Busiest Airports in the US
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US in terms of passenger traffic, handling 50.9 million passengers on 341,835 flights per year. This equates to nearly 1,000 flights per day, making Atlanta one of the busiest airports worldwide.
Other Top Airports in the US
- Los Angeles International Airport: 40.9 million passengers
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport: 39.2 million passengers
- Denver International Airport: 37.8 million passengers
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport: 35.8 million passengers
These rankings are based on total passenger enplanements, and the list can vary depending on other factors such as cargo throughput or geographic size.
In terms of the largest airports in terms of land area, Washington (Dulles) International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX, are among the top airports in the US. Additionally, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was ranked as the top airport in a travel magazine's 2024 reader poll, praised for its ease of navigation and amenities.
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Airlines that serve the airport
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is served by seven airlines, providing non-stop service to over 20 destinations across the continental US. These include:
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers flights to and from Spokane International Airport. The airline allows passengers to change their reservation details, such as dates and times, using a confirmation code. Passengers can also apply the value of an unused ticket toward a new reservation using an e-ticket number. Check-in for Alaska Airlines flights is available from 1 to 24 hours before departure.
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines operates from Concourse A at Spokane International Airport.
Hawaiian Airlines
Passengers can book flights through Hawaiian Airlines if they wish to pay in JPY (¥), KRW (₩), AUD ($), or NZD ($).
FedEx
FedEx provides services from Spokane International Airport.
United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service also operates from Spokane International Airport.
Spokane International Airport has been undergoing expansion projects since 2022, with the goal of adding new gates, centralized security, and expanded baggage claim areas. These developments are part of the airport's plan to accommodate more direct flights, including to the east coast of the US.
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The airport's former names
Spokane International Airport has had several former names throughout its history. The airport's original name was Geiger Field, which honoured Major Harold Geiger (1884–1927). During World War II, Geiger Field served as a major training base for the Second Air Force and was used for training B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombardment units. It was also utilised as an aircraft maintenance and supply depot by the Air Technical Service Command. In 1946, it became Spokane's municipal airport, replacing Felts Field.
In 1948, the city of Spokane took ownership of the renamed Geiger Field. The airport continued to bear the name Geiger Field until 1960 when Air Canada initiated service to Calgary. This development led to the airport being renamed Spokane International Airport. The new name reflected its expanded scope and international connections.
Prior to its development as an airport, the land held significance during the early stages of aviation. In 1938, Spokane County purchased two square miles of land on the West Plains with the vision of creating a "super-airport". This proposed airport was to be named Sunset Airport, reflecting its location and ambitions. However, the realisation of Sunset Airport was interrupted by World War II, and the land's purpose shifted to meet the demands of the global conflict.
The name Spokane International Airport has endured as the airport's designation, reflecting its role as a gateway to the region and its international connections. The airport code, GEG, persists as a reminder of its former name, Geiger Field, honouring the legacy of Major Harold Geiger and the airfield's pivotal role during World War II.
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Destinations with direct flights
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is served by seven airlines and offers non-stop service to over 20 destinations across the continental US. The airport is the second busiest in Washington state, serving 4,264,875 passengers in 2024.
Spokane International Airport offers direct flights to Phoenix, served by both AA and SWA. The airport also has plans to add more direct flights, including to the East Coast, to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
In addition to its domestic routes, Spokane International Airport has also been referred to as 'Spokane International', suggesting it once offered international flights. However, there is no evidence of current international services. One source suggests that the airport does not have customs, which may be a reason for the lack of international routes.
Despite this, there is demand for international destinations from Spokane, with users on Reddit expressing a desire for flights to Calgary, Vancouver, London, New York, and Boston.
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Frequently asked questions
Spokane International Airport is located in Spokane, Washington, United States.
Spokane International Airport is the largest commercial/public airport in Washington state in terms of land area, covering 6,140 acres.
Spokane International Airport is the 73rd busiest airport in the US in terms of passenger enplanements. In 2024, it was the second busiest airport in Washington, serving 4,264,875 passengers.
Seven airlines operate from Spokane International Airport, offering non-stop service to over 20 destinations in the continental US. These include Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Spokane International Airport offers non-stop service to over 20 destinations in the continental US. It also offers direct flights to Phoenix, Calgary, and Vancouver, BC.
