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).
Present
Most recently remodeled in 1999, the Glacier Park International Airport has accommodated significant increases in enplanement numbers, with traveler counts approximately doubling between 2009 and 2019. The current 75,000 square-foot terminal is host to commercial carriers Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Delta Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines flying direct to 18 major cities.
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.
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