Gary Airport: Commercial Flights And Services Offered

Gary Chicago International Airport (GCIA) is a full-service airport located in Gary, Indiana, that is capable of serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. The airport is situated 25 miles from downtown Chicago and has been designed with an eye towards growth. While it has experienced fluctuations in passenger traffic over the years, with several airlines offering scheduled commercial flights at different times, as of 2023, there were no scheduled commercial passenger flights operating from the airport. However, it continues to serve as a hub for business and cargo aviation, offering various amenities and services to cater to the unique needs of business aviation.

Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) is a full-service airport

GCIA is a joint civil-military public airport, serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. The airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including top-tier Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) that cater to corporate and business aviation. These FBOs offer a range of services such as ground handling, luxurious passenger lounges, conference rooms, competitive fuel pricing, and quick turnaround times.

The airport's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and efficient operations make it an ideal choice for cargo transportation. GCIA's US Customs facilities are equipped with advanced technology and professional staff, ensuring a seamless and compliant customs process.

In addition to its focus on business and cargo aviation, GCIA has also positioned itself as a potential "third airport" for the Chicago metropolitan area. The airport has undergone expansions, including extending its main runway to 9,000 feet and adding gates to the passenger terminal building. These improvements aim to attract more airlines and establish GCIA as a viable alternative to Chicago's major airports, O'Hare and Midway.

While GCIA has seen fluctuations in passenger traffic and airline service over the years, it continues to work towards re-attracting passenger service. The airport authority has hired consultants and developed plans to bring back commercial flights, which are expected to resume once industry-wide challenges, such as pilot shortages and aircraft delivery issues, are addressed.

GCIA's convenient location, modern facilities, and commitment to excellence make it a compelling choice for aviation users seeking a full-service airport in the Chicago region.

The airport is located 25 miles from downtown Chicago

Gary/Chicago International Airport is a mere 25 miles from downtown Chicago. This joint civil-military public airport is located in Gary, Lake County, Indiana, and is operated by the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. Its proximity to Chicago is one of its biggest advantages, offering a convenient alternative to the city's major airports, O'Hare and Midway.

The airport's location is ideal for those seeking quick access to Chicago without the congestion of larger airports. With two runways exceeding 7,000 feet in length, it can accommodate aircraft of all sizes. The airport's facilities and services cater to both pilots and passengers, with excellent infrastructure and reasonable fees.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is easily accessible via nearby highway connections, including I-90, I-80, I-94, I-65, and the Chicago Skyway. It is also served by the South Shore Line commuter rail train, providing a direct link to downtown Chicago.

The airport has a diverse range of users, from general aviation and corporate flights to commercial and cargo operations. Several businesses, such as Boeing, Menards, and White Lodging Services, base their corporate aircraft here. Additionally, the airport has been chosen by Chicago-based Boeing to permanently house its Midwest corporate jet fleet.

In recent years, there have been efforts to expand the airport and establish it as Chicago's third major airport. The expansion plans include extending the main runway to 9,000 feet and constructing a new multi-level intermodal terminal integrating passenger rail, vehicles, and air travel. However, since 2013, there have been no scheduled commercial passenger airline services operating from the airport. Despite this, Gary/Chicago International Airport remains a significant aviation hub in the region, offering a range of services and facilities for various types of aviation operations.

It is a joint civil-military public airport

Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) is a joint civil-military public airport in Gary, Indiana, United States. It is located just three miles northwest of Gary's city centre and 25 miles southeast of Chicago Loop, making it an ideal location for travellers seeking convenience without the congestion of larger airports. The airport is equipped with two runways over 7,000 feet long, capable of accommodating aircraft of all sizes.

As a joint civil-military airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport serves a diverse range of users, including general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo operations. The airport boasts excellent infrastructure and facilities, including top-tier Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) that cater to the unique needs of business aviation. These FBOs, such as the Gary Jet Center and B. Coleman Aviation, offer a range of services like ground handling, luxurious passenger lounges, conference rooms, competitive fuel pricing, and more.

The airport's proximity to Chicago and its efficient operations make it an attractive option for businesses. Numerous companies, including Boeing, Menards, and White Lodging Services, base their corporate aircraft at Gary/Chicago International Airport. Additionally, the airport has an Army Aviation Support Facility supporting UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operations of the Indiana Army National Guard.

While Gary/Chicago International Airport has experienced fluctuations in passenger traffic over the years, there have been efforts to expand and improve the airport's infrastructure. In 2006, federal funds were secured to extend the main runway and add gates to the passenger terminal building. However, since 2013, there have been no scheduled commercial passenger airline services operating from the airport. Despite this, the airport continues to serve corporate jets and cargo operations, with UPS Airlines adding express parcel services in 2020.

Looking ahead, there are plans to re-attract passenger service to the airport. In 2022, the airport authority hired a consulting firm to develop strategies for bringing back commercial flights, which were expected to resume in late 2023 or early 2024. However, these plans have been delayed due to pilot shortages and aircraft delivery issues.

The airport has two runways over 7,000 feet long

The Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) has two runways over 7,000 feet long. This length allows the airport to accommodate aircraft of all sizes. The airport is located in Gary, Indiana, just three miles northwest of the city centre and 25 miles southeast of Chicago Loop.

The airport's runways were extended to meet this length in 2015, with federal funds secured in 2006 to move railroad tracks away from the northwest corner. This allowed for the extension of the main runway to 9,000 feet, as well as the addition of gates to the existing passenger terminal building. The construction of the northwest extension of runway 12/30 from 7,003 to 8,859 feet was finally completed and opened for service on June 25, 2015.

The airport has been designed with an eye towards growth, and the administration has been courting airlines aggressively. The airport's proximity to Chicago and its excellent infrastructure, location, and reasonable fees make it a compelling alternative to O'Hare and Midway airports for corporate aviation.

The airport offers top-tier services and facilities, including efficient operations, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedicated team of professionals. With its two long runways, Gary/Chicago International Airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft and is an attractive option for businesses and travellers alike.

The airport is home to an Army Aviation Support Facility

The Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) is a joint civil-military public airport in Gary, Indiana, United States. The airport is home to an Army Aviation Support Facility, which supports UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operations of the Indiana Army National Guard. The facility is located on the site of a former Cold War-era Army Nike missile battery.

The GCIA offers a range of services for military, corporate, and cargo users. It has two runways over 7,000 feet long, capable of accommodating aircraft of all sizes. The airport is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and efficient operations, making it an ideal choice for cargo transportation.

In addition to its military and cargo operations, the GCIA has also served commercial passenger flights in the past. However, there have been no scheduled commercial passenger flights out of the airport since Allegiant Air ended its service in 2013 due to low demand. Efforts are currently underway to re-attract passenger service to the airport, with commercial flights expected to resume in the future.

The airport's facilities include the Gary Jet Center and B. Coleman Aviation, which offer superior services, amenities, and cost-effective fuel and fees for business aviation. The airport's convenient location, just 25 miles from downtown Chicago, makes it a compelling alternative to other airports in the area.

The GCIA is also committed to safety and security, with robust measures in place to provide a secure environment for all users. With its range of services, convenient location, and focus on security, the Gary/Chicago International Airport is well-equipped to support various aviation needs.

Frequently asked questions