TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — As travel demand continues to surge in northern Michigan, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is moving forward with several plans that could significantly reshape the region’s transportation landscape in the coming years.
Terminal Expansion on the Horizon
Airport leaders are preparing to begin a $120 million terminal expansion project expected to break ground in 2026 and conclude by 2028. The plan calls for adding multiple new gates, relocating and enlarging the security checkpoint, expanding the outbound baggage area, and increasing passenger amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, and concessions. Officials say the airport’s current terminal — designed for 250,000–300,000 passengers annually — is now strained by traffic that has more than doubled. In recent years more than 700,000 travelers have passed through TVC, with numbers climbing steadily year over year.
The airport authority is seeking support from Grand Traverse and Leelanau County commissioners to issue up to $70 million in airport revenue bonds, which would help finance the project alongside federal grants and other funding sources. If successful, this would allow the airport to move forward without using local tax dollars.
Parking and Service Additions
To handle the increase in passengers, TVC is also building a new 350-space economy parking lot, slated for completion toward the end of 2025. The lot will be automated and served by shuttle transport to the terminal, helping ease parking congestion that has been common during peak travel periods.
Earlier expansions have already added hundreds of parking spaces and included improvements to TSA screening areas, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize airport infrastructure.
Hotel and Service Infrastructure Proposed
Local developers are eyeing opportunities to expand services near the airport. A hotel development is under consideration on airport property, with plans including around 89 rooms, a rooftop bar, banquet space, and restaurant facilities aimed at better accommodating business travelers and airline crews. Construction could begin in 2026 with a potential opening in 2027, pending approvals.
Another project being discussed nearby is a technology and logistics park on vacant airport land, which would bring over 200,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space including labs, offices, and light industrial facilities.
Enhanced Airport Security
In early January 2026, Cherry Capital Airport transitioned its security operations to a newly formed airport police department staffed by certified law enforcement officers. The change — required due to the airport’s growth and federal security standards — replaces the previous private security arrangement and provides on-site arrest authority.
Airline Service Growth
TVC has also seen airlines expand service options. For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, carriers like JetBlue and Delta Air Lines have added or extended routes, including seasonal service to Boston and an earlier restart of flights to Atlanta in spring 2026, broadening travel options for both tourists and residents.
In summary, Cherry Capital Airport’s plans reflect sustained long-term growth, with investments in terminal infrastructure, parking, security, commercial services, and air routes designed to better serve the region’s expanding travel needs. Residents and local officials continue to watch these developments as TVC positions itself as one of Michigan’s fastest-growing airports.
