Gerald R. Ford Airport Could Be America’s Best Small Airport

West Michigan travelers already know that Gerald R. Ford International Airport is something special. Now the rest of the country has a chance to see it too.

Our airport has been named a finalist yet again in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Airport in America, and it’s up to the public to help crown it number one. In 2023 GRR landed in 3rd place, and in 2024 they flew up to second place. Now- it’s our time to win.

Voting is open now through Monday, Oct. 6 at 11:59 a.m., and each person can cast one vote per day at 10Best.com. The winners, chosen entirely by readers, will be revealed on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

It’s no surprise Ford International is in the running. The airport continues to break records, welcoming more than 4 million passengers in 2024 and serving as a true gateway between West Michigan and the world.

With nonstop flights to more than 35 destinations, investments in traveler comfort, and a $750 million capital expansion campaign called ELEVATE, the airport is reshaping how people move through our region.

Recent upgrades include the expansion of Concourse A with eight new gates and five new restaurants, Michigan’s first consolidated rental car facility, an additional parking garage, and a new federal inspection station to support international flights.

These improvements, paired with a growing list of nonstop destinations, make traveling through GRR smoother than ever.

But the recognition doesn’t just highlight what’s happening inside the terminal. It’s also a huge testament to the airport’s role in West Michigan’s growing economy. Gerald R. Ford International supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes over $7 billion to the region each year.

The only thing standing between GRR and the top spot? Your daily votes. If you’re proud of your hometown airport and the role it plays in connecting our community, you can help by voting once a day until October 6.