South Bend Airport: A Surprisingly Small Regional Hub

South Bend International Airport is a multi-modal transportation facility in Indiana, USA, that provides air, interstate bus, and interstate rail services all in one terminal. The airport covers 2,200 acres (890 hectares) of land and is governed by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority. It is the second-highest airport in Indiana in terms of passenger enplanements, seeing 417,929 passengers in a year, and is also second in cargo operations and third in overall take-offs and landings.

The airport covers 2,200 acres at an elevation of 799 feet

South Bend International Airport is a significant transportation hub, serving as one of the few multi-modal facilities in the US that offer air, interstate bus, and interstate rail services all within a single terminal. The airport is located at 4477 Progress Dr, South Bend, IN 46628, and it covers a vast area of 2,200 acres, with an elevation of 799 feet.

The sheer size of the airport is impressive, and it plays a crucial role in the region's economy and transportation network. With its multiple transportation options, South Bend International Airport offers convenient connections for travellers, making it a preferred choice for those flying for business or leisure. The airport's annual economic impact on South Bend and its surrounding communities is substantial, contributing to the region's prosperity.

The airport's terminal, built in 1981 and designed by HOK and Cole Associates, underwent an expansion in 2011 by Ken Herceg & Parpandy Associates. This expansion added a nine-gate concourse, enhancing the airport's capacity and improving the overall travel experience for passengers. The airfield also underwent significant geometry changes beginning in 2020, with the realignment of Taxiway Bravo separate from the main terminal apron.

South Bend International Airport's elevation of 799 feet is an important factor in aviation operations. This elevation provides a safe altitude for aircraft take-offs and landings, ensuring smooth and efficient air traffic management. The airport's air traffic controllers work closely with nearby Chicago Centre and Chicago Approach Control to seamlessly sequence aircraft into and out of Chicago's terminal airspace. This collaboration makes South Bend's Tower/TRACON the second busiest terminal air traffic facility in the state and one of the busiest in the entire region.

Overall, South Bend International Airport's vast area of 2,200 acres and elevation of 799 feet contribute to its status as a major transportation hub. The airport's size and elevation facilitate efficient operations, convenient connections, and a positive economic impact on the region. With its multi-modal transportation options and modern facilities, South Bend International Airport is well-equipped to handle a high volume of passenger and cargo traffic, solidifying its position as a key gateway to the region.

It has one nine-gate concourse

South Bend International Airport has a single concourse with nine gates. The terminal was built in 1981 and designed by HOK and Cole Associates. It was expanded in 2011 by Ken Herceg and Parpandy Associates, bringing the total number of gates to nine. The airport covers 2,200 acres of land at an elevation of 799 feet. It is one of the few multi-modal transportation facilities in the United States, providing air, interstate bus, and interstate rail services all within one terminal. The airport offers amenities such as cafes and restaurants, a pet relief area, a concession area/lounge, a gift shop, a children's play area, and a business centre. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the terminal.

The nine-gate concourse at South Bend International Airport provides efficient and convenient access to various travel options. The concourse is part of the terminal, which was expanded to enhance the airport's functionality and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. With an elevation of 799 feet, the airport covers a significant land area, making it a sizeable aviation hub.

The design of the concourse allows for seamless connections between different transportation modes. Passengers can easily transition from air travel to interstate bus or rail services, all within the same terminal. This integrated approach to transportation management streamlines the travel process, reducing the time and hassle often associated with navigating multiple transportation options.

The amenities offered within the concourse further contribute to the convenience and comfort of travellers. Cafes and restaurants are readily available for those looking to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal. For travellers with pets, the pet relief area provides a much-needed space to attend to their furry companions. The concession area/lounge offers a place to relax or grab a quick snack, while the gift shop allows for last-minute souvenir shopping.

Additionally, the nine-gate concourse features a children's play area, recognising the importance of keeping young travellers entertained and engaged during their time at the airport. The business centre, equipped with the necessary facilities and amenities, caters to the needs of business travellers, providing a convenient space to work or conduct meetings. The availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal further enhances the overall functionality of the concourse, enabling travellers to stay connected and productive during their time at South Bend International Airport.

It's one of the few multi-modal transport facilities in the US

South Bend International Airport is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The airport covers 2,200 acres of land at an elevation of 799 feet. It is owned and governed by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, which is a municipality in the State of Indiana.

The airport is one of the few multi-modal transport facilities in the US. It is the only airport in the United States to offer air, interstate rail, and bus services all in the same location. The St. Joseph County Airport Authority claims that the airport was the first truly multi-modal airport in the country. Passengers can make connections to local public transportation services such as the South Shore Line trains to Millennium Station in Chicago and the local TRANSPO bus route #4, which travels along Lincoln Way. The South Shore rail line, operated by NICTD, connects the airport with cities throughout Northwestern Indiana, with a final destination of downtown Chicago. The airport also offers taxi services, with ridesharing options such as Uber and Lyft available for pick-up and drop-off.

It's governed by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority

South Bend International Airport is governed by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, a municipality in the State of Indiana. The airport is one of the few multi-modal transportation facilities in America, providing air, interstate bus, and interstate rail services at one terminal. It was the first airport in the country to do so.

The St. Joseph County Airport Authority consists of four bipartisan board members appointed by the St. Joseph County Commissioners. The board members are Thomas S. Botkin, Abraham Marcus, David R. Sage, and James V. Wyllie. The Authority is directed by Mike Daigle, an accredited airport executive. The Authority employs approximately 60 staff members across four departments: administration, maintenance, operations, and public safety.

The mission of 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 St. Joseph County Airport Authority Department of Public Safety works to ensure the safety and security of the airport and its surrounding areas through emergency response, law enforcement, and regulatory compliance.

The airport covers 2,200 acres (890 hectares) of land and has three asphalt runways. It has a nine-gate concourse with eight jetways for aircraft. The terminal was built in 1981 and expanded in 2011, with construction and modifications still ongoing. South Bend International Airport is the second-busiest terminal air traffic facility in Indiana, handling 47,756 aircraft operations in 2019, averaging 130 per day.

It's the second busiest terminal air traffic facility in Indiana

South Bend International Airport is located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Covering 2,200 acres of land, it is one of the main hubs in Indiana and the second busiest airport in the state in terms of passenger traffic, after Indianapolis International Airport.

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. This unique offering has led to South Bend International Airport becoming the second busiest terminal air traffic facility in Indiana. The airport's proximity to Chicago also contributes to its high traffic volume, as South Bend air traffic controllers work closely with Chicago Center and Chicago Approach Control to sequence aircraft into and out of Chicago's terminal airspace.

The terminal building, designed by HOK and Cole Associates, was constructed in 1981 and expanded in 2011 by Ken Herceg & Parpandy Associates. It features a nine-gate concourse with eight jetways for aircraft. The airfield has undergone significant geometry changes, including the realignment of Taxiway Bravo separate from the main terminal apron. Construction and modification work are ongoing, with the recent addition of a new gate bringing the total to nine.

South Bend International Airport offers a range of amenities to cater to the high volume of passengers passing through the terminal. These include cafes and restaurants, a concession area/lounge, a gift shop, a children's play area, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The airport also provides a meditation room, a nursing station, and a pet relief area for travellers' convenience.

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