Key Takeaways
• Cherry Capital Airport plans a $121 million terminal expansion beginning in 2026, completing by 2028.
• The expansion will triple terminal size, double gates, add four new gates plus amenities improving passenger experience.
• Funding covers 50% FAA grants; expansion supports local economy over $1 billion annually, with sustainability measures included.
Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City Plans Major Terminal Expansion to Meet Soaring Demand
Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is preparing for a major transformation. The airport, known as TVC, has announced a $121 million terminal expansion project that will nearly triple its size and double the number of gates. This move comes as the airport faces record-breaking passenger numbers, far beyond what its current facilities were built to handle. The expansion is set to start construction in 2026, with completion expected in 2028. This project is not just about bigger buildings—it’s about supporting the growing needs of travelers, the local economy, and the entire northern Michigan region.
Why Is Cherry Capital Airport Expanding?
The main reason for the terminal expansion is simple: Cherry Capital Airport is busier than ever. In 2024, the airport served about 800,000 passengers, even though it was only designed for 250,000 to 300,000 people a year. That’s more than three times its intended capacity. During busy summer months, the five-gate terminal often holds over 1,000 passengers at once, even though it was built for just 250 to 400. This overcrowding creates long lines, crowded waiting areas, and stress for both travelers and airport staff.
The airport’s growth is not slowing down. In the first five months of 2025, operations at Cherry Capital Airport were up 25% compared to the same period in 2024. The airport is now the third-busiest in Michigan, behind only Detroit Metro and Grand Rapids. At peak times, up to 16 commercial airline planes can be at the airport at once, and each gate is used about 10 times a day. With JetBlue set to become the seventh airline at TVC in June 2025, the need for more space and better facilities is clear.
What Will the Terminal Expansion Include?
The terminal expansion at Cherry Capital Airport is a large and complex project. Here’s what travelers and the community can expect:
– 68,000 square feet of new terminal space will be added to the existing 121,000 square feet.
– A new “Pod Building” will be built, adding four new gates with space for a possible fifth gate in the future.
– A connector building will link the existing terminal to the new Pod Building, making it easy for passengers to move between areas.
– The airport apron, where planes park, will be expanded by 35,000 square yards to handle more aircraft.
– The security checkpoint will be upgraded and moved to a new location to speed up the screening process and reduce wait times.
– A new departures lounge and concessions area will give travelers more room to relax, eat, and shop.
– New passenger amenities will include more restrooms, a mother’s room for nursing parents, and a sensory room for travelers who need a quiet space.
– New passenger boarding bridges will make it easier and safer to get on and off planes, especially in bad weather.
All of these changes are designed to make travel through Cherry Capital Airport smoother, safer, and more comfortable for everyone.
How Will the Expansion Affect Travelers and the Community?
For travelers, the terminal expansion will mean less crowding, shorter lines, and more choices for food, shopping, and relaxation. The new gates and larger waiting areas will help the airport handle busy times without the current congestion. The upgraded security checkpoint should move people through faster, and new amenities like the sensory room and mother’s room will make the airport more welcoming for families and people with special needs.
For the Traverse City community and the wider northern Michigan region, the expansion is a big investment in the local economy. Cherry Capital Airport already brings in over $1 billion in economic activity each year, supporting jobs, tourism, and business growth. As more airlines and flights come to TVC, local hotels, restaurants, and shops will benefit from increased visitor traffic. The expansion will also make it easier for local residents to travel for work, school, or family reasons, and for businesses to connect with customers and partners across the country.
Who Is Paying for the Terminal Expansion?
A project of this size costs a lot of money, and Cherry Capital Airport is using several sources to pay for it. About 50% of the funding will come from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which supports airport improvements across the United States 🇺🇸. The rest will come from other sources, including airport revenue and possibly state or local funds.
One challenge is that the FAA requires the project to have multiple “Guaranteed Maximum Prices” (GMPs) to meet grant rules. This means the airport must carefully plan each phase of construction and manage costs closely. Inflation and the timing of grant awards can also affect the project’s budget and schedule.
For more information on how the FAA supports airport projects, you can visit the official FAA Airport Improvement Program page.
What About Sustainability and the Environment?
Airport officials are making sustainability a key part of the terminal expansion. The design team is looking at ways to use less energy, reduce pollution, and save water. Some of the steps being considered include:
- Using building materials that are better for the environment.
- Switching from diesel to natural gas to cut down on fossil fuel use.
- Installing LED lighting to save electricity.
- Improving air circulation systems for better indoor air quality.
- Exploring the use of solar panels to generate clean energy.
- Making changes that could reduce water use by about 37%.
While the airport is not seeking a specific “green building” certification, it is including many features that help protect the environment and lower operating costs over time.
How Is the Public Involved?
Cherry Capital Airport is making sure the community has a say in the terminal expansion. In April and May 2025, airport officials held public meetings in places like Suttons Bay to share information about the project and answer questions. The entire airport administrative team, along with local leaders such as Leelanau County Commissioners, attended these meetings to hear from residents and explain the plans.
The airport is also working to include local businesses in the project. There is a 10% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal for the Terminal Addition program. This means that at least 10% of the work will go to businesses owned by minorities, women, or other disadvantaged groups.
Importantly, the expansion will not increase the airport’s overall property footprint. All new buildings will be constructed on land the airport already owns, so there will be no need to buy more land or disrupt nearby neighborhoods.
What’s Next for Cherry Capital Airport?
The terminal expansion is currently in the design phase, with about 30% of the design work finished as of May 2025. Construction is set to begin in 2026 and should be completed by 2028. The airport is also looking ahead to the future. There are early plans to add a third concourse in the 2030s if passenger numbers keep growing.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Cherry Capital Airport’s expansion is a sign of the region’s strong growth and its importance as a transportation hub. The airport’s ability to attract new airlines, like JetBlue, and handle more flights will help keep Traverse City connected to the rest of the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.
Why Does This Matter for Immigration and International Travel?
While Cherry Capital Airport is not a major international gateway like Detroit Metro, its growth has important implications for immigration and travel. As more airlines and flights come to Traverse City, it becomes easier for people from other parts of the United States 🇺🇸 and even other countries to visit, work, or study in northern Michigan.
For example, international students attending local colleges, seasonal workers, and tourists from Canada 🇨🇦 or overseas will benefit from better connections and more flight options. The expanded terminal will also make it easier for families to reunite, for businesses to bring in skilled workers, and for local residents to travel abroad.
If the airport eventually adds international flights, it may need to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to set up facilities for processing international arrivals. This could open up new opportunities for global connections and economic growth in the region.
What Are the Challenges and Risks?
Every big project comes with challenges. For Cherry Capital Airport, some of the main risks include:
- Managing construction costs: Inflation and changes in material prices can make it hard to stick to the budget.
- Coordinating with airlines: The airport must work closely with current and new airlines to make sure the expanded terminal meets their needs.
- Staying on schedule: Delays in design, funding, or construction could push back the opening date.
- Meeting community expectations: The airport must balance the needs of travelers, airlines, local businesses, and residents.
Airport leaders are working hard to address these risks by planning carefully, seeking public input, and keeping everyone informed about progress.
How Will the Expansion Affect Different Groups?
- Travelers: Will enjoy less crowded spaces, faster security, and more amenities.
- Airlines: Will have more gates and better facilities, making it easier to add flights.
- Local businesses: Will benefit from more visitors and easier access to national markets.
- Immigrants and international visitors: May find it easier to travel to and from Traverse City, especially if international flights are added in the future.
- Airport staff: Will have better tools and spaces to serve passengers safely and efficiently.
What Can Travelers and Residents Do Now?
If you live in Traverse City or plan to travel through Cherry Capital Airport, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed about the expansion by attending public meetings or checking the airport’s website.
- Share your feedback with airport officials to help shape the project.
- Plan for possible construction-related changes during the building phase from 2026 to 2028.
- Watch for new airlines and flight options, like JetBlue’s service starting in June 2025.
For those interested in the details of airport funding and improvement projects, the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program offers more information.
Final Thoughts
The $121 million terminal expansion at Cherry Capital Airport is a major step forward for Traverse City and the entire northern Michigan region. By doubling the number of gates, adding new amenities, and focusing on sustainability, the airport is preparing for a future of continued growth and connection. Whether you’re a traveler, a local resident, a business owner, or someone interested in immigration and international travel, this project will have a lasting impact on how people move to, from, and through Traverse City for years to come.
Learn Today
Terminal expansion → Increasing airport building capacity to accommodate more passengers and flights efficiently.
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) → A contract clause that caps construction costs, protecting against budget overruns.
Airport apron → The area where aircraft park, load, unload, and refuel at the airport.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) → Businesses owned by minorities, women, or disadvantaged groups given special project participation goals.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. government agency responsible for regulating all civil aviation and airport improvements.
This Article in a Nutshell
Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport will soon triple terminal size with a $121 million expansion, doubling gates and easing congestion. Starting construction in 2026, this vital project boosts travel comfort, economic growth, and sustainability, promising a modernized hub connecting northern Michigan to more flights and opportunities.
— By VisaVerge.com
