TRAVERSE CITY — Despite appearances right now, the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City has actually experienced such an increase in flyers they are expanding the terminal, the parking lot, and offering more destinations.
The Airport has seen a steady increase and in recent years have broken multiple records regarding its growth.
As a result, many changes are coming in the near future, including new locations, but there is a process when it comes to adding locations.
“What it really looks at is the data that shows that the demand for that route will be as strong in January as we see it in our peak months,” CEO of Cherry Capital Airport Kevin Klein said. “What we really look at is, and what has worked well for our community is our seasonal peak of summertime, trying new routes. And if they’re successful, then growing them into the shoulder seasons.”
Kevin Klein tells us that they have already seen a 25.1% increase in flyers compared to 2024, which brought in over 787,000 passengers.
Following these increases, the airport is now adding new locations and companies to the airline, including another flight to Boston, coming this summer.
Kevin adds “This summer is JetBlue will start on June 5th, going to Boston...Boston’s going to be very competitive for us because in the last couple summers that we’ve had American and Delta serving and now JetBlue will serve Boston. So it’s a very competitive market and also gives us a great springboard to European destinations. “
Kevin says that due to the increases in plane sizes and flight options, ticket prices will actually continue to go down.
They have also begun construction for multiple parking lots, including a cell phone lot for people waiting to pick up flyers, a new lot for car rentals, and an economy lot near Costco.
He also expects even more growth to come to the airport in the future.