When was Capital Region International Airport established?

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Capital Region International Airport is a public airport located in DeWitt Township, Michigan, approximately three miles northwest of downtown Lansing. The airport serves the capital region of Michigan and is the second busiest airport in the state after Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s when it was first established as a small airfield.

Early History of Lansing Airport

In the 1920s, Lansing Municipal Airport was established on a 78-acre site in Lansing, Michigan. The airport served primarily as a mail and passenger transportation hub for the region. During World War II, the airport was expanded to include a military base and served as an air training center. After the war, the airport returned to civilian use and continued to grow in size and services.

The Need for a New Airport

As the Lansing Municipal Airport continued to expand, it became clear that a larger and more modern airport was needed to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region. In the 1960s, a study was conducted to determine the feasibility of building a new airport. The study recommended that a new airport be built in DeWitt Township, Michigan, to serve the capital region.

The Planning and Construction of Capital Region Airport

In 1972, the construction of Capital Region Airport began, with the first phase of the project consisting of a 6,500-foot runway and a terminal building. The airport was designed to accommodate both domestic and international flights and was built to meet the highest safety and security standards. The construction of the airport took approximately three years and cost $25 million.

The Opening of Capital Region Airport

Capital Region Airport officially opened on October 19, 1976, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local and state officials. The airport’s first commercial flight was a Delta Air Lines flight from Lansing to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The airport quickly became popular with passengers and airlines alike, thanks to its modern facilities and convenient location.

The Development of Capital Region Airport

Over the years, Capital Region Airport has continued to grow and expand, adding new facilities and services to meet the needs of passengers and airlines. In 2018, the airport handled over 500,000 passengers and offered nonstop flights to several destinations, including Orlando, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.

The Impact of Capital Region Airport on the Region

Capital Region Airport has had a significant impact on the region’s economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for local businesses. The airport has also made it easier for people to travel to and from the region, boosting tourism and attracting new businesses to the area.

Capital Region Airport Today

Today, Capital Region Airport is a thriving airport that serves the capital region of Michigan and beyond. The airport offers a range of amenities, including parking, dining, and shopping, and is home to several airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

Future Plans for Capital Region Airport

Capital Region Airport has several plans for future expansion, including the construction of a new cargo facility and the extension of the airport’s runway. The airport also plans to continue to attract new airlines and offer new destinations to passengers.

Notable Events at Capital Region Airport

Over the years, Capital Region Airport has hosted several notable events, including the arrival of several presidential candidates and the departure of the Michigan State University men’s basketball team for the NCAA Final Four.

Conclusion

Capital Region International Airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s when it was first established as a small airfield. Today, the airport is a modern and thriving airport that serves the capital region of Michigan and beyond. With plans for future expansion and continued growth, Capital Region Airport is poised to remain an important hub for air travel in the region for years to come.