Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City has officially opened a new Economy Lot, providing an additional 369 parking spaces for travelers as spring break travel ramps up.This new option is priced at $11 per day and includes a free shuttle service that runs continuously during arrivals and departures, ensuring convenient access for passengers.
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9and10news.comKevin Klein, CEO of Cherry Capital Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the new lot, stating, "We are happy to offer this new parking lot to the Northern Michigan traveling public.This is another affordable and convenient option for travelers".
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9and10news.comThe Economy Lot is designed to be user-friendly, operating with pre-pay facilities and having a parking attendant available from 4 am until the last departure each day.
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9and10news.comThis expansion comes at a time when Cherry Capital Airport is experiencing unprecedented growth in passenger numbers.In March 2025, the airport saw a staggering 58,110 passengers, a 28.5 percent increase over the previous year's record of 45,221 passengers during the same period.
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traverseticker.comThis surge in traffic forced the airport to take additional measures to accommodate travelers, leading to the fast-tracking of the new Economy Lot.The increase in passenger traffic has been attributed to several factors, including the expansion of airline services.American Airlines has introduced year-round non-stop flights to Charlotte, while Allegiant Air has increased its offerings to popular destinations like Fort Lauderdale and Orlando during the spring break period.These enhancements have led to a greater number of available seats in the market, thus accommodating the rising demand for air travel from the region.
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traverseticker.comInterestingly, this isn't the first time the airport has had to respond to a spike in parking needs.Just three years ago, Cherry Capital Airport added 422 new parking spaces, anticipating sufficient capacity for future growth.However, the rapid increase in passenger numbers has outpaced those projections, leading to the necessity for the new Economy Lot.
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traverseticker.comIn addition to the parking expansion, Cherry Capital Airport is also engaged in a broader project known as the "TVC: Gates to the Future." This initiative aims to add a new terminal area and five additional gates, further enhancing the airport's capacity to serve its growing customer base.
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9and10news.comKlein has noted that the airport's growth trend is expected to continue, with projections for a 37 percent increase in available seats for the upcoming summer season compared to the previous year.This trend highlights the airlines’ increasing recognition of the Traverse City market, which has historically been underserved.Klein remarked, "With the addition of all these new seats, the airlines are finally serving the passengers that would have normally made the choice to travel with us".
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traverseticker.comAs Cherry Capital Airport continues to adapt to rising demand, the new Economy Lot stands as a testament to its proactive approach in ensuring a smooth travel experience for its passengers.Travelers can now enjoy a more economical parking option while the airport prepares for an exciting future of growth and expanded services.Overall, the developments at Cherry Capital Airport reflect a significant trend in air travel as more passengers choose to fly from their local airport rather than drive to larger hubs.This shift not only benefits travelers but also has a positive economic impact on the surrounding community, with the airport generating over $1 billion annually in economic activity.
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9and10news.comWith spring break travel on the rise and new facilities coming online, Cherry Capital Airport is well-positioned to meet the needs of its passengers now and into the future.
