Cherry Capital Airport Plans Long-Term Parking Expansion as Passenger Growth Accelerates

Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan, is preparing for continued passenger growth with a long-term parking strategy that could bring major additions to the airport campus over the coming years.

A recent parking study has outlined approximately $80 million in potential parking investments through 2042. The plan follows a period of rapid growth at the airport, which is already Michigan’s third-largest airport after Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.

The study identified an immediate shortfall of 423 parking spaces. Airport officials have since addressed that demand through several improvements, including the opening of a new 369-space economy parking lot. Additional enhancements have also been completed as part of Cherry Capital Airport’s broader “Gates to the Future” expansion program.

So far, around $5.7 million has been invested in parking-related upgrades. These include the new economy lot, valued at approximately $3 million; an expanded rental car lot with 214 additional spaces, costing about $2.4 million; and paving work for the airport’s cell phone waiting lot, valued at $265,000.

According to the study, the airport may need a further 800 parking spaces by 2027, 1,000 by 2032, and 1,500 by 2042. Future parking improvements could include shuttle services, valet options, electric vehicle charging spaces, covered parking, and possibly a parking structure.

Airport CEO Kevin Klein noted that surface parking remains the most cost-effective option, while a parking deck would represent a much larger investment. However, demand for covered parking in Northern Michigan may influence future decisions. The airport also has room to add roughly 180 to 200 more spaces to the economy lot if needed.

The parking plans are being developed alongside Cherry Capital Airport’s $190 million terminal expansion. A key part of the project is the construction of a new 68,000-square-foot Concourse B, which will add four gates to the airport. The concourse accounts for about $120 million of the overall program and is expected to open in spring 2028.

Cherry Capital Airport handled a record 935,816 passengers in 2025, up 19% from the previous record of 787,114 passengers in 2024. During peak summer travel periods, the airport has operated at around 250% of its intended capacity, highlighting the need for both terminal and landside infrastructure expansion.

In 2025, seven airlines served 20 nonstop destinations from Cherry Capital Airport. With passenger volumes continuing to rise, the airport is positioning its parking, terminal, and commercial infrastructure for long-term regional growth.

A future on-site hotel is also being considered, with the possibility of opening on airport property as early as 2027.

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