Past
Glacier Park International Airport began as a runway on farmland in 1942. Over the next several years a terminal was erected, and in 1948 the facility was completed and designated as Flathead County Airport (FCA) by the Federal Aviation Administration. The first commercial carrier, NorthwestAirlines, began service in 1950. FCA became an international airport in1970 and going forward, it was known as it is now, Glacier Park International Airport (GPIA).
Construction on the terminal expansion began in 2021. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held July 13, 2021, marking the beginning of a four-year undertaking.
Following the groundbreaking, construction began with the addition of a temporary baggage claim structure. In 2022, demolition and excavation led to the construction of the second and third story of the expanded terminal. By 2023, full construction of the terminal expansion and remodeling of the existing structure were well underway.
Phase 1A construction was completed in the spring of 2024 and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion.
Present
The expanded terminal boasts new jet bridges and gates. Travelers are also enjoying expanded waiting areas, dining and shopping. The TSA checkpoint has also been updated to accommodate increased passenger volumes and has reduced wait times.
Future
As the Flathead Valley grows and tourism to the area increases, Glacier Park International Airport is expanding to meet both present need and future projections. The new terminal footprint will increase from 75,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet and feature up to seven jet bridges, additional vendors, and more room to roam.
Phase 1B construction is currently underway. Once completed, passengers will enjoy an expanded and improved ticket lobby, car rental facilities, and central lobby, which will include news and gift options, food, and a meeter/greeter lobby for people to wait for exiting passengers. This phase is anticipated to be completed in mid-2025.
The final construction phase will include an updated baggage claim system and one additional gate. These improvements are expected to be completed in 2026.
Room to Roam
“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America