Indiana Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

what is the airport in indiana

Indiana has 114 airports, including two international airports, with technologically up-to-date systems and knowledgeable staff. The Indianapolis International Airport, which receives more than 8.5 million passengers annually, is one of them. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses and a total of 39 gates. The other international airport in Indiana is the Fort Wayne International Airport, which offers connections to 13 non-stop destinations worldwide.

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Indianapolis International Airport

The airport was initially called the Indianapolis Municipal Airport when it opened in 1931, replacing the older Stout Field as the primary city airport. In 1944, it was renamed the Weir Cook Municipal Airport after US Army Air Forces Col. Harvey Weir Cook, who became a flying ace during World War I and died during World War II while flying a P-39 over New Caledonia. The current terminal replaced the complex that included Concourses A, B, C, and D, as well as the International Arrivals Terminal, which was opened in 1976.

The airport has seen several developments and expansions over the years. In 2017, Allegiant Air announced a $40 million aircraft base at the airport, creating high-paying jobs and housing two Airbus aircraft. In 2024, Aer Lingus announced nonstop flights to Dublin, Ireland, marking the first transatlantic flight from Indianapolis since 2020. In February 2025, the Indianapolis Airport Authority approved the construction of a new 253-room Marriott Westin-branded hotel, expected to be completed by December 2027. The hotel will be directly connected to the terminal and will offer various amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a public lounge with airfield views, a fitness centre, and dedicated parking.

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Fort Wayne International Airport

The airport has been in existence since at least the 1950s, when Hilton opened an on-site hotel. The airport's first permanent terminal was constructed at some point prior to the 1980s and included an air traffic control tower, an observation deck, and a restaurant called the "Look-Out Dining Room". In the late 1980s, the on-site Hilton was sold and reflagged as a Holiday Inn, and the airport's terminal was renamed the Lieutenant Paul Baer Terminal. In 1991, Baer Field was renamed Fort Wayne International Airport.

The airport underwent its largest expansion and revitalization in the 1990s, with the terminal expanded between 1994 and 1997, runway upgrades, and the addition of the Air Trade Center. In 1998, the airport began advertising to the general public for the first time. In 2000, the airport was handling record traffic, a record that stood until 2016.

The airport has a focus on delivering top-notch customer service, with friendly and efficient staff, a quick and simple check-in process, and a clean facility. The airport also offers a local brewery and the Gateway Lounge presented by STAR Bank for passengers seeking an elevated airport experience.

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South Bend Regional Airport

South Bend International Airport is known for its convenience and affordability, offering a quicker and easier travel experience than metropolitan hubs. The airport provides a range of amenities, including TSA Pre-Check, free Wi-Fi, and various dining options. It is also the only airport in the United States to offer air, interstate rail, and bus services all in one location. Popular ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport.

The airport is second in Indiana for passenger enplanements, with 417,929 passengers in 2019, and second in cargo operations. It is also one of the busiest terminal air traffic facilities in the region due to its proximity to Chicago. South Bend handles a significant number of aircraft operations, with an average of 130 per day in 2019. The airport has a substantial economic impact on the region, contributing over $1.4 billion annually to the Indiana economy.

South Bend International Airport is served by four airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. These airlines offer nonstop flights to several destinations across the United States, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Atlanta, Detroit, and Chicago. The airport also provides easy connections to other transportation options, such as the South Shore Line commuter rail, which offers express services to Chicago in under two hours.

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Evansville Regional Airport

The airport is served by several major airlines, including Allegiant, Breeze, American Airlines, and Delta. Evansville Regional Airport provides a convenient and affordable travel option for residents of southwestern Indiana, western Kentucky, and eastern Illinois. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic in recent years, with a 35% increase in travellers in just four years. Federal Aviation Administration records show that EVV's annual traffic grew by almost seven percent in 2018 compared to the previous year.

The original Evansville Municipal Airport was built in 1928 on 260 acres of land along U.S. Highway 41 and was funded by a city bond issue. The airport had a small terminal, a weather bureau, a hangar, runways, boundary lights, grading, and drainage. On June 16, 1930, the Evansville Municipal Airport was officially dedicated, with Werner J. Genot as its first airport manager.

Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the addition of jet bridges in 2013, allowing passengers to board planes directly from the terminal. Evansville Regional Airport has also experienced growth in airline operations, with Delta Air Lines upgrading to a Boeing 717 with daily service to Atlanta in 2014. The airport covers 1,250 acres of land and has three asphalt runways, an instrument landing system, and a variety of based aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter.

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Indianapolis Municipal Airport

The current terminal, which opened in 2008, is named in honour of Colonel Cook and was among the first terminals designed and built in the US following the September 11 attacks. The terminal has two concourses with a total of 39 gates. International arrivals are processed in Concourse A, which has 20 gates, while Concourse B has 19. The airport also features a five-floor parking garage that covers 11 acres on each of its levels.

Indianapolis International Airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant Air, which operates a $40 million aircraft base at the airport, and Aer Lingus, which offers nonstop flights to Dublin, Ireland. The airport has been recognised for its architectural significance, with the Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal being named one of the ten most "architecturally significant" buildings completed in the city since World War II.

The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) manages the airport and plays an active role in supporting the Central Indiana community socially, environmentally, and economically. The IAA aims to enhance travellers' experiences by providing various services and amenities, including efficient parking options and updates on security procedures. The airport has consistently been recognised as one of the best in North America by Airports Council International and Condé Nast Traveler.

Frequently asked questions

There are 114 airports in Indiana, including two international airports.

The two international airports in Indiana are the Indianapolis International Airport and the Fort Wayne International Airport.

The Indianapolis International Airport offers various services and amenities, including food, business conference rooms, fax machines, free wireless internet, game areas, televisions, ATMs, skycap services, and public phones. The airport also provides facilities for disabled passengers, such as accessible stalls, ramps, and skycap services.

The Fort Wayne International Airport offers non-stop flights to 13 destinations worldwide and provides connections to other locations. It has a friendly and efficient staff, with positive reviews about the check-in and security processes. The airport also features a local brewery concept and plans for a new frequent flyer lounge.

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