Gary, Indiana: Airport Or No?

Gary, Indiana, is home to the Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY), a joint civil-military public airport. Located just three miles from the city's centre and 25 miles from downtown Chicago, the airport is in an ideal location for those looking to travel to the Chicago area. With two runways over 7,000 feet long, the airport can accommodate aircraft of all sizes, including corporate jets, commercial, and cargo planes. The airport covers 763 acres of land and is equipped with the necessary facilities and infrastructure to support various aviation needs.

Gary Chicago International Airport

Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport, serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. It is equipped with two runways over 7,000 feet long, capable of accommodating aircraft of all sizes. The airport offers excellent facilities and services for pilots and passengers alike.

The airport has excellent infrastructure, a strategic location, and reasonable fees, making it an ideal choice for cargo transportation. It is conveniently located near Chicago, yet away from the congestion of larger airports. Gary/Chicago International Airport is also easily accessible via nearby highway connections, including I-90, I-80, I-94, I-65, and the Chicago Skyway.

Numerous businesses have chosen Gary/Chicago International Airport as their base, including Boeing, Menards, and White Lodging Services. The airport has also been home to various air shows and aerial displays, showcasing the capabilities of different aircraft.

Expansion plans for the airport include a new multi-level Intermodal Terminal combining passenger rail, passenger vehicles, and air travel. The rail system will integrate both commuter and high-speed lines. With ongoing improvements and a focus on growth, Gary/Chicago International Airport is well-positioned to become a significant aviation hub in the region.

The airport's location

Gary, Indiana, is served by the Gary/Chicago International Airport (IATA: GYY, ICAO: KGYY, FAA LID: GYY). The airport is located in Gary, Lake County, Indiana, and is about three miles northwest of the city centre. It is 25 miles southeast of the Chicago Loop and is also close to the shores of Lake Michigan.

The 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 connected to downtown Chicago through the South Shore Line commuter rail train, with the station located about a mile south of the airport terminal.

The airport covers 763 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 597 feet above mean sea level. It features two asphalt runways: runway 12/30, which is 8,859 feet long and 150 feet wide, and runway 2/20, which is 3,604 feet long and 100 feet wide.

With its strategic location and excellent infrastructure, the Gary/Chicago International Airport is well-positioned to serve the aviation needs of the region, providing a convenient alternative to the larger airports in Chicago.

Airport facilities

Gary, Indiana is served by Gary/Chicago International Airport (IATA: GYY, ICAO: KGYY, FAA LID: GYY), a joint civil-military public airport located three miles northwest of the city centre of Gary and 25 miles southeast of the Chicago Loop. The airport is operated by the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority, which was created by an interstate compact between Gary, Chicago, and Indiana.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport capable of serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. The airport has two runways over 7,000 feet long, allowing it to accommodate aircraft of all sizes. The airport's facilities and services are designed to cater to the needs of both pilots and passengers.

The airport offers top-tier Jet A fuel services, ensuring efficient operations and helping to manage operational costs. It also boasts state-of-the-art US Customs facilities, equipped with advanced technology and professional staff, facilitating a quick and efficient customs process.

The airfield provides up-to-date information on runway availability, weather conditions, and safety measures, enabling seamless and hassle-free travel. The airport's strategic location, combined with efficient operations and modern infrastructure, makes it an ideal choice for cargo transportation.

The airport covers 763 acres of land, with an elevation of 597 feet above mean sea level. In addition to the runways, the airport is also home to an Army Aviation Support Facility supporting UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operations of the Indiana Army National Guard. An ex-US Airways Boeing 737-400 is stored at the airport and used by Ivy Tech College for various types of training.

The airport has a range of transportation options, including the South Shore Line commuter rail train, with a station located near Second Avenue, approximately one mile south of the terminal. The airport also offers long-term parking for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Airlines and destinations

Gary, Indiana is served by the Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY). The airport is located just three miles northwest of central Gary and 25 miles southeast of the Chicago Loop.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is capable of serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. The airport has been served by several airlines in the past, including Pan Am, Southeast Airlines, SkyValue Airlines, Skybus Airlines, and Hooters Air. These airlines offered flights to destinations such as Hartford, Connecticut; St. Petersburg, Florida; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

In 2011, Allegiant Air began servicing the airport, offering flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport. However, the airline cancelled its service in 2013 due to low demand. Since then, there have been no scheduled commercial passenger flights operating from the airport.

In 2020, UPS Airlines added express parcel services to Gary/Chicago International Airport, utilising Airbus A300 and Boeing 757 aircraft to and from Louisville International Airport.

The airport has also been used by several businesses for their corporate aircraft, including Chicago-based Boeing, which selected the airport to permanently base its Midwest corporate jet fleet. Other companies include Menards and White Lodging Services.

The airport is also home to an Army Aviation Support Facility, supporting UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operations of the Indiana Army National Guard.

Transport to the airport

Gary, Indiana is served by Gary/Chicago International Airport (IATA: GYY, ICAO: KGYY, FAA LID: GYY), a joint civil-military public airport. The airport is located three miles northwest of central Gary and 25 miles southeast of the Chicago Loop.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is easily accessible by road, with nearby highway connections including I-90, I-80, I-94, I-65, and the Chicago Skyway. The airport offers long-term parking for those who choose to drive themselves, as well as short-term parking for those who opt for a drop-off.

For those travelling via public transport, the South Shore Line commuter rail train serves the airport, with the Gary/Chicago Airport station located about a mile south of the terminal. This rail service connects to downtown Chicago.

Alternative Airports

Gary/Chicago International Airport is one of several airports serving the region surrounding Gary, Indiana. Some nearby major airports include:

• Chicago Midway International Airport (37 miles from Gary)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (57 miles from Gary)
• Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (115 miles from Gary)
• Fort Wayne International Airport (144 miles from Gary)

Frequently asked questions