Spokane International Airport

Spokane International Airport
Name	Spokane International Airport
Iata	GEG
Icao	KGEG
Type	Public
Owner	Spokane County
City-served	Spokane, Washington
Elevation-f	2,372

Spokane International Airport is a public airport serving the Spokane metropolitan area in eastern Washington. Located near Fairchild Air Force Base and the Spokane River, the airport functions as a regional hub connecting the Inland Northwest with Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Denver International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and other destinations. The airport is owned by Spokane County and operated by the Spokane Airport Board, handling a mix of commercial, cargo, and general aviation traffic.

History

The site near Geiger Field traces roots to World War II when Fairchild Air Force Base and civilian operations expanded across the Spokane area. Postwar civil aviation growth paralleled developments at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport, with Spokane adapting to jet age demands following the introduction of the Boeing 707 era and subsequent Boeing 737 operations. Throughout the Cold War, interactions with Air Defense Command installations and regional military aviation shaped runway expansions. In the late 20th century, airline deregulation driven by the Airline Deregulation Act influenced route structures, with legacy carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines establishing scheduled services. The 21st century saw modern terminal upgrades amid competition from hubs such as Salt Lake City International Airport and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.

Facilities and infrastructure

The airport features two primary runways capable of handling narrowbody and widebody traffic, designed to accommodate aircraft types including the Boeing 757, Airbus A321, and cargo freighters such as the Boeing 747-400F. The terminal complex includes concourses with ticketing, security checkpoints aligned with Transportation Security Administration standards, and a passenger concourse equipped with jet bridges compatible with Northrop Grumman-manufactured systems. Cargo operations are supported by apron areas used by carriers like FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, while fixed-base operators serve general aviation clients, corporate operators, and operators of turboprop types such as the Bombardier Q400. Navigation aids include an instrument landing system and radar services coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration's regional control centers. Ground-side facilities include parking garages, rental car centers hosting companies like Hertz, Avis Budget Group, and Enterprise Holdings, and connections to utilities managed by Spokane County agencies.

Airlines and destinations

Scheduled passenger service at the airport has historically been provided by a mix of legacy and low-cost carriers. Mainline and regional operations from airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and feeder carriers affiliated with SkyWest Airlines or Horizon Air link Spokane to hubs including Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Denver International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Seasonal and leisure routes have connected to destinations like Las Vegas Strip, Los Angeles International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. Cargo services operate with freighter flights by FedEx Express and UPS Airlines supporting regional distribution networks tied to firms such as Avista and logistics partners.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access is provided by major arterials including Interstate 90 and nearby state routes, linking the airport with downtown Spokane, Spokane Valley, and communities across the Inland Northwest. Public transit connections involve services operated by Spokane Transit Authority with shuttle and bus routes timed to flight schedules. Car rental operators centralized in a consolidated rental facility serve travelers bound for destinations like Spokane Falls and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Taxi and rideshare operations include providers regulated by Spokane County authorities, while parking options range from short-term lots to long-term parking managed by the airport authority. For connections to rail, travelers may reach Amtrak Cascades stations via shuttle or rideshare links to downtown Spokane.

Operations and statistics

Annual passenger enplanements and aircraft movements reflect regional population trends and airline network decisions influenced by entities like Boeing and hub carriers. Seasonal traffic peaks coincide with events at venues such as the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and outdoor recreation access to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Area and Mount Spokane State Park. Cargo throughput supports industries tied to companies like Avista and agricultural exporters from eastern Washington. Airport operations coordinate emergency planning with agencies including FEMA and state aviation departments, and noise abatement procedures reflect community consultations with Spokane County officials.

Expansion and future plans

Capital improvement plans have addressed terminal modernization, airfield pavement rehabilitation, and enhancements to passenger amenities, often funded through airport revenue bonds and federal grant programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. Proposed projects include gate expansions to attract additional service from carriers such as Southwest Airlines and transcontinental routes potentially operated by low-cost long-haul operators. Sustainability initiatives reference technologies promoted by manufacturers like General Electric (aviation divisions) and research institutions collaborating with Washington State University and regional economic development groups. Long-term planning considers coordination with Fairchild Air Force Base airspace requirements, regional transportation planning agencies, and tourism stakeholders such as Visit Spokane.

Category:Airports in Washington (state) Category:Spokane County, Washington