Grand Rapids / Gerald R. Ford International Airport - GRR

Gerald R. Ford International Airport Address

Website

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport, just a few miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a small commercial airport that serves as a regional hub for Northwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The airport sees around 2 million passengers each year. The one passenger terminal takes up two levels, with concourses A and B holding a total of 11 gates. People cannot move from one concourse to another without re-clearing security.

The airport is conveniently located near I-96, M-6 and M-37, making road travel easy and convenient. The airport also allows aircraft spotting from two locations, for those who wish to view or photograph airplanes on the ground.

Though the history of aviation in the Grand Rapids area dates back to 1911, when the Wright Brothers demonstrated their new flying machine at the West Michigan State Fairground, the airport did not become a major center of air traffic until the 1960s. In 1999, the airport was renamed in honor of former President Ford.

Directions

The entrance of the airport is located at the intersection of 44th Street SE and Patterson Avenue.

From Interstate 96, the driver may take Exit 46 for westbound M-6, Exit 44 for westbound 36th Street, or Exit 43A for westbound 28th Street. From Exit 46, proceed west on M-6 to Exit 15, then proceed north on M-37 and take northbound Patterson Avenue to the airport entrance at 44th Street. From Exit 44, proceed west on 36th Street to Patterson Avenue, turn left, and proceed south to the airport entrance at 44th Street. From Exit 43A, proceed west on 28th Street to Patterson Avenue, turn left, and proceed south to the airport entrance at 44th Street.

From US 131, if coming from the north drivers may either take Exit 89A for Interstate 96 West or if coming from the south take Exit 77 for M-6 East.