Gerald R Ford International (KGRR), Michigan
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Gerald R Ford International Airport (KGRR) serves Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a towered, public-use field roughly 101 nautical miles from the metro core it supports. With three paved runways, the longest at 10,001 feet, and both 100LL and Jet A available on an around-the-clock attendance schedule, the airport handles a substantial mix of business aviation and commercial traffic. On-site CBP inspection services and a USDA compliance agreement support international arrivals without requiring a diversion to a separate customs airport.
Runways
Gerald R Ford International has three paved runways. The longest, 08R/26L, is 10,001 ft long and 150 ft wide, with a concrete surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Runways are listed longest first.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
Gerald R Ford International has Jet A and 100LL available on the field. Fueling is available 24 hours a day, every day, and the airport has an operating control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Gerald R Ford International has US Customs and Border Protection clearance available onsite, with general clearance for international arrivals. A USDA compliance agreement is in place.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Gerald R Ford International recorded 17,977 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in September and October. Business aviation traffic at KGRR is concentrated in the fall, peaking in October and staying elevated through September, according to FAA TFMSC data.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month October, 1,698 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Gerald R Ford International averages 4.3 days above 90°F in July, 28.1 freeze days in January and 7.2 snow days in January. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 83.1°F, and January the coldest, at 31.0°F.
Weather station is on the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Gerald R Ford International has published operating constraints in seven categories: access, weight restrictions, runway notes, noise procedures, environmental, pavement strength and other notes.
Prior permission is required for aircraft with a wingspan of 171 feet or larger.
The air carrier apron is closed to general aviation aircraft.
For clearance delivery when the tower is closed, contact Great Lakes Approach; when approach control is closed, contact Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center.
The taxiway D hold pad for runway 26L is closed to aircraft with a wingspan greater than 49 feet.
Taxiway F north of taxiway V, the section of taxiway J between taxiway F and taxiway J3, and taxiway G are closed to aircraft over 100,000 pounds. Taxiway F south of taxiway V, and the section of taxiway J east of taxiway F and west of taxiway J3, are closed to aircraft over 47,000 pounds.
Taxiway Y, 400 feet north of taxiway D, is closed to aircraft over 100,000 pounds. Taxiway R north of taxiway D is closed to aircraft over 175,000 pounds.
When the airport traffic control tower is closed, pilots must activate the MALSR lighting for runways 08R, 26L, and 35, the REIL for runways 08L, 26R, and 17, the HIRL for runways 08R/26L and 17/35, and the MIRL for runway 08L/26R, using the CTAF.
Noise abatement procedures apply: aircraft departing runway 08R should remain on runway heading until reaching the highway east of the airport; aircraft approaching runway 26L should turn to final at the highway east of the airport.
Birds are present on and in the vicinity of the airport.
PCR VALUE: 270/F/C/X/T
PCR VALUE: 470/R/D/W/T
PCR VALUE: 660/R/C/W/T
Taxiway R north of taxiway D, taxiway Y north of taxiway D, taxiway Z north of taxiway D, and taxiway N are non-movement areas.
Pushback advisories on the terminal ramp are not provided by air traffic control.
Airport personnel will monitor the CTAF when the airport traffic control tower is closed.
Contact the FBO for their hours of operation.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Gerald R Ford International has five airfields within 21 NM. The closest is Hastings, 15.21 NM southeast.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at KGRR
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$2,400.00 catering order at KGRR.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
It does not move with the size of the order.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
What runway lengths are available at KGRR?
Gerald R Ford International Airport operates three paved runways. Runway 08R/26L is the longest at 10,001 feet, with a width of 150 feet on a concrete surface. Runway 17/35 measures 8,501 feet, also concrete and 150 feet wide. Runway 08L/26R is the shortest, at 5,001 feet, built on asphalt at 100 feet wide. This mix supports a wide range of business and commercial aircraft categories.
Is customs available on-site at KGRR?
Yes, CBP inspection services are available on-site at Gerald R Ford International Airport, along with a USDA compliance agreement. Operators arriving from abroad do not need to route through a separate customs airport for clearance at this location. The presence of a compliance agreement suggests coordination requirements for flights carrying agricultural cargo. Crews should confirm current inspection hours and any prior notice requirements directly with the relevant agency before arrival.
Are there wingspan restrictions at KGRR?
Yes, Gerald R Ford International Airport requires prior permission for aircraft with a wingspan of 171 feet or larger. Separately, the taxiway D hold pad for runway 26L is closed to aircraft with a wingspan greater than 49 feet, which affects routing for larger business jets and airliners holding short of that runway. Dispatchers planning operations with wide-span aircraft should account for these constraints when filing ground movement plans at KGRR.
When is business aviation traffic busiest at KGRR?
Business aviation traffic at Gerald R Ford International Airport is concentrated in the fall months, with October recording the highest monthly total at 1,698 operations according to FAA TFMSC data. September and July also post elevated counts, at 1,646 and 1,603 operations respectively. February is the quietest month, with 1,289 operations. Dispatchers scheduling flights into KGRR during the September-to-October window should anticipate higher ramp and traffic volumes than in winter months.
Are there weight restrictions on taxiways at KGRR?
Yes, several taxiways at Gerald R Ford International Airport carry weight limits. Taxiway F north of taxiway V, the taxiway J segment between taxiway F and taxiway J3, and taxiway G are closed to aircraft over 100,000 pounds. Taxiway F south of taxiway V and the taxiway J segment east of taxiway F and west of taxiway J3 are closed to aircraft over 47,000 pounds. Taxiway Y near taxiway D is closed to aircraft over 100,000 pounds, while taxiway R north of taxiway D is closed above 175,000 pounds. Dispatchers should route heavier aircraft accordingly at KGRR.