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The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The airport is located near I-96 and M-6, just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. It is the second-busiest airport in Michigan, with over 100 daily flights and 30+ nonstop routes. The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as convenient parking and transportation services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport |
| IATA | GRR |
| ICAO | KGRR |
| FAA LID | GRR |
| Year opened | 1963 |
| Location | Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Owner | Kent County Board of Commissioners |
| Manager | Independent authority |
| Size | 3,127 acres |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Number of daily flights | 100+ |
| Number of nonstop routes | 30+ |
| Airlines | Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, United Airlines |
| Parking | Premier, short-term, long-term, economy, valet |
| Amenities | Shops, restaurants, lounges, therapy dogs, Military Welcome Center, Kids Port |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States
- It is located in Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids
- It is the second-busiest airport in Michigan
- It offers more than 100 daily flights and 30+ nonstop routes
- The airport is home to the West Michigan Aviation Academy
The airport is named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The airport is named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ford represented the Grand Rapids area in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 until 1973, and he was the first vice president chosen under the Twenty-fifth Amendment. He assumed the presidency after the resignation of President Richard Nixon, serving from 1974 to 1977.
Ford's political career began in 1948 when he challenged the incumbent Bartel Jonkman for the Republican nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the nomination and was elected to Congress, receiving 61% of the vote. During his time in Congress, Ford served on the House Appropriations Committee and rose to prominence on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. He was also an outspoken supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, issuing Presidential Proclamation No. 4383 in 1975.
Ford's reputation as a legislator led to his being considered for the role of running mate to Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election. He was eventually chosen as vice president by Nixon in 1973, following Spiro Agnew's resignation. As vice president, Ford's tenure was overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to Nixon's resignation.
After becoming president, Ford focused on tackling inflation, reviving the economy, addressing energy shortages, and improving relationships with key global partners. He also granted a full pardon to former President Nixon. In foreign policy, Ford continued détente with the Soviet Union, setting new limitations on nuclear weapons with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Despite these achievements, Ford lost the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter.
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It is located in Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is located in Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of the city of Grand Rapids. The airport is at the intersection of 44th Street and Patterson Avenue, and it abuts I-96 on the east, M-6 on the south, M-37 on the west, and M-11 on the north. It is easily accessible by road and offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, economy, and valet services. The airport is also served by taxi and luxury sedan services, as well as on-site rental car companies.
The history of the airport dates back to 1959 when construction began on the present airport in Cascade Township. The new airport opened on November 23, 1963, and was dedicated on June 6, 1964. It replaced the previous airport, which was located four miles south of downtown Grand Rapids. The airport has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of new runways and the construction of a new terminal building.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a commercial airport owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and managed by an independent authority. It offers more than 100 daily flights and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. The airport provides non-stop flights to numerous destinations within the United States and has been recognised for its clean and modern facilities, efficient security processes, and convenient travel experience.
The airport also houses the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a unique public charter high school specialising in aviation, STEM, and robotics education. The school offers hands-on flight training and provides students with access to aircraft and flight simulators, fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.
With its convenient location, efficient operations, and focus on passenger experience, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport serves as a vital gateway to Grand Rapids and the surrounding region, connecting them to the rest of the United States and beyond.
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It is the second-busiest airport in Michigan
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the second busiest airport in Michigan. The airport is situated in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. With a history spanning over a century, the airport was initially known as Kent County Airport and later renamed in honour of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, in December 1999.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a bustling hub, serving nearly 4 million passengers in 2023, a record that solidifies its position as the second busiest airport in the state. The airport offers over 100 daily flights and more than 30 nonstop routes to destinations across the United States. Its busiest route is between GRR and MDW, with Southwest Airlines deploying a significant number of flights on this route.
The airport covers a substantial area of 3,127 acres and features multiple runways, including a notable 8,500-foot runway added in 1997. The facility is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and is managed by an independent authority. It is classified as a small hub primary commercial service facility by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is home to the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a unique educational institution offering a specialised curriculum in aviation, STEM, and robotics. The airport is conveniently located near major roadways, including I-96 and M-6, providing easy access for travellers. It offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, economy, and valet services, ensuring a seamless experience for those arriving or departing by car.
The airport has undergone significant developments over the years, including the Elevate expansion and improvement program announced in 2019. This program includes projects such as the expansion of Concourse A, the construction of a new air traffic control tower, and the addition of a federal inspection station to facilitate international flights. With a focus on enhancing the guest experience and supporting continued growth, the airport is well-positioned to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
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It offers more than 100 daily flights and 30+ nonstop routes
Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a comprehensive range of flight options for travellers. With more than 100 daily flights and 30+ nonstop routes, the airport provides convenient connections to various destinations.
The airport, with the IATA code GRR, is a bustling hub, serving as the second-busiest airport in Michigan. Its history dates back to 1919 when Grand Rapids' first airport construction began, and it has since expanded and evolved significantly.
GRR airport offers a diverse range of airlines and destinations to choose from. Allegiant Air offers an extensive route network, with nearly 340 flights planned for a particular month. Southwest Airlines is also a prominent presence, operating nearly 300 flights in a given month, with popular routes including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and their busiest route between GRR and MDW.
Delta Air Lines is another major contributor to GRR's flight offerings, providing a substantial number of seats across various destinations. Their most frequent route is between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and GRR, utilising the 737-900ER model for 212 scheduled frequencies. Delta also offers flights to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and operates the CRJ900 between GRR and DTW, in collaboration with SkyWest Airlines.
In addition to these, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines also provide air service at GRR airport, contributing to the overall count of more than 100 daily flights and 30+ nonstop routes.
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The airport is home to the West Michigan Aviation Academy
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is home to the West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA). This innovative charter high school offers a rigorous educational program with a focus on aviation and STEM education. The school's mission is to prepare students for various opportunities, including college achievement, career success, and engaged citizenship.
WMAA was established in 2010 by pilot and billionaire Dick DeVos on the suggestion of his wife, Betsy DeVos. The academy is a tuition-free public charter school, currently ranked #1 in the state among charter schools and #4 among all public high schools in Michigan for college readiness. The school's curriculum includes flight training, with students having the option to obtain a private pilot certificate. WMAA also offers a fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft for flight training and provides a Redbird LD flight simulator.
The school's initial location was a 25,000-square-foot renovated office facility on the airport grounds. Due to high demand, the academy expanded in 2012, adding a 42,500-square-foot space that allowed for expansion in curriculum, student life, and aviation programs. In 2022, WMAA opened the Flight Training Center, a new facility that houses aviation courses and serves as a hangar for the school's airplanes.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located in Cascade Township, is approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. It is the second-busiest airport in Michigan, offering more than 100 daily flights and 30+ nonstop routes. The airport provides a range of dining and shopping options for travellers, including full-service restaurants, cafes, and bookstores.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is called the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
The airport is located in Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The airport covers 3,127 acres.
The airport offers short-term, long-term surface, long-term covered, economy, valet, and premier parking options.
The airport has several restaurants, retail stores, business centres, lounges, family restrooms, and therapy dogs.
