$120M Traverse City Airport Expansion
Key Questions
What is the Cherry Capital Airport expansion project?
The $120M 'Gates to the Future' project adds 4 gates, larger security and concessions areas by spring 2028. It broke ground after a record 935,000 passengers in 2025 and is funded without local taxes to support nonstop flights, tourism, and jobs.
What economic impacts does the airport expansion bring?
The project is described as the most substantial economic development for northern Michigan in decades. It includes construction hiring at $20-30 per hour, boosting tourism and job opportunities.
What community events are tied to Cherry Capital Airport?
The TVC 5K race on May 16 invites runners onto the airport runway to support Wings of Mercy, a nonprofit aiding northern Michigan patients with volunteer medical flights.
$120M Cherry Capital Airport 'Gates to the Future' project breaks ground after record 935k '25 passengers; adds 4 gates, bigger security/concessions by spring '28 for nonstop flights/tourism/jobs (construction hiring $20-30/hr) sans local taxes. Strains traffic/parking amid TIF/housing/flood recovery.