South Bend's Airport: Does It Exist?

South Bend International Airport (IATA: SBN, ICAO: KSBN, FAA LID: SBN) is a commercial and freight airport located in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The airport is owned by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority and is governed by a bipartisan board of four members. South Bend International offers over 40 daily flight arrivals and departures from airlines such as Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Location

South Bend does have an airport, known as South Bend International Airport (IATA: SBN, ICAO: KSBN, FAA LID: SBN). The airport is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. It is owned by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, a municipality in the State of Indiana. The airport covers 2,200 acres of land at an elevation of 799 feet.

The airport has gone through several name changes over the years. It was originally called Bendix Airport, then renamed St. Joseph County Airport, and later the Michiana Regional Transportation Center. On January 1, 2000, it was renamed South Bend Regional Airport, and on April 23, 2014, it was given its current name, South Bend International Airport. The name changes, especially the most recent one, were made to help identify the airport, as many travellers were unfamiliar with the meaning of "Michiana", a combination of "Michigan" and "Indiana".

South Bend International Airport is conveniently located and easily accessible, offering connections to local public transportation services. Passengers can easily connect to the South Shore Line trains to Millennium Station in Chicago, as well as the local TRANSPO bus route #4 along Lincoln Way. The airport is also just a short drive from downtown South Bend, making it a convenient option for both locals and visitors to the area.

In terms of air travel, South Bend International Airport is the second busiest airport in Indiana, after Indianapolis International Airport. It handles a significant amount of passenger traffic, with records showing 337,140 passenger enplanements in 2020 and an estimated total air passenger volume of over 680,000. The airport caters to several major airlines, including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United, offering more than 40 daily flight arrivals and departures.

Ownership

South Bend International Airport (IATA: SBN, ICAO: KSBN, FAA LID: SBN) is owned by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, a municipality in the State of Indiana. The airport is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States.

The airport has had several name changes over the years. It was originally called Bendix Airport, then renamed St. Joseph County Airport, and later the Michiana Regional Transportation Center. On January 1, 2000, it was renamed South Bend Regional Airport, and on April 23, 2014, it became South Bend International Airport. The name changes, especially the most recent one, were done to help identify the airport, as many travellers did not know the meaning of Michiana, which is derived from "Michigan" and "Indiana".

The St. Joseph County Airport Authority is directed by Mike Daigle, an accredited airport executive. The Authority's four bipartisan board members are appointed by the St. Joseph County Commissioners. These board members include Thomas S. Botkin, Abraham Marcus, David R. Sage, and James V. Wyllie. The Authority employs approximately 60 staff members. Its mission, as defined by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, is to "maximize the safety, service, efficiency and effectiveness of South Bend Airport for the traveling public, and to promote the value of the airport to the community."

The airport is one of the few multi-modal transportation facilities in the United States, providing air, interstate bus, and interstate rail services all in one terminal. It is also the second busiest airport in Indiana in terms of passenger traffic, with 417,929 enplanements in 2019, and is known for its convenience and affordability.

Airlines

South Bend International Airport (SBN) is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It is owned by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority and is the second busiest airport in the state in terms of passenger traffic.

The airport offers over 40 daily flight arrivals and departures from airlines including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United. In 2020, the airport had 337,140 passenger enplanements and an estimated total air passenger volume of over 680,000.

South Bend International Airport has a rich history, previously known as Bendix Airport, St. Joseph County Airport, and Michiana Regional Transportation Center. The airport was renamed South Bend Regional Airport on January 1, 2000, and later given its current name, South Bend International Airport, on April 23, 2014.

The St. Joseph County Airport Authority has expressed interest in expanding the airport's route network. In 2023, the airport received a grant of $750,000 to expand routes to the West Coast (Los Angeles or San Francisco) or Washington, D.C. The airport also plans to construct a general aviation facility and a border customs area to enhance its capabilities.

Transport links

South Bend, Indiana, is served by the South Bend International Airport (SBN). The airport is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend and is owned by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority. It is the second busiest airport in the state of Indiana in terms of passenger traffic, with over 680,000 passengers estimated to have passed through in 2020.

The airport offers a range of services, including TSA Pre-Check, free Wi-Fi, and dining options. It also has a unique distinction of being the only airport in the United States that provides air, interstate rail, and bus services all in one location. Passengers can easily connect to the South Shore Line trains to Millennium Station in Chicago, as well as the local TRANSPO bus route #4 along Lincoln Way.

Several major airlines operate out of South Bend International Airport, including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United. These airlines offer nonstop and cheap flights to various destinations, with more than 40 daily flight arrivals and departures. The airport has also received grants to expand its route network to the West Coast (Los Angeles or San Francisco) or to increase routes to Washington, DC.

The history of the airport dates back to its early names, such as Bendix Airport, St. Joseph County Airport, and Michiana Regional Transportation Center. The name was changed to South Bend Regional Airport in 2000 and then to South Bend International Airport in 2014 to better identify the location for travellers. The airport covers 2,200 acres of land and has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, including the construction of a general aviation facility and a border customs area.

History

South Bend International Airport (IATA: SBN, ICAO: KSBN, FAA LID: SBN) is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The airport has had a long history with multiple name changes and is currently the second busiest airport in the state in terms of passenger traffic.

The history of aviation in South Bend dates back to 1911 when French aviator René Simon completed the area's first recorded airplane flight. However, the airport's history truly began in 1929 when Vincent Hugo Bendix, the founder of Bendix Aviation, bought 610 acres of land northwest of South Bend to provide air service closer to the city. At the time, South Bend's main airport was Cadet Field in present-day Granger. Bendix Municipal Airport, named after its founder, opened in 1933. In 1936, the airport welcomed Amelia Earhart, who landed her Lockheed Electra aircraft at Bendix Field.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes. It was initially called Bendix Municipal Airport, followed by Bendix Field – St. Joseph County Airport after it was purchased by the county from Vincent Bendix. The airport was then renamed the Michiana Regional Airport, reflecting its service to both Michigan and Indiana. Subsequently, it became the Michiana Regional Transportation Center, reflecting its role as a transportation hub. On January 1, 2000, the airport was renamed South Bend Regional Airport, and finally, on April 23, 2014, it was given its current name, South Bend International Airport, to better identify the airport for travellers unfamiliar with the local geography.

The airport has seen numerous developments and expansions over the years. In the 1950s and 1960s, runway expansions took place, and in 1967, the airport welcomed its first scheduled jets, with United Caravelles flying the Chicago O'Hare-South Bend-Fort Wayne-Newark route. The terminal, built in 1981, has also undergone expansions and modifications, including an expansion in 2011 and the addition of a new concourse in 2024, bringing the total number of gates to nine. The airport has also received grants to expand its route network to the West Coast and Washington, DC, further enhancing its connectivity.

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