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Central Illinois Regional Airport, also known as CIRA, is located in Bloomington-Normal, McLean County, Illinois. The airport is owned by the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority and is categorized as a primary commercial service airport. With a convenient central Illinois location and easy access, CIRA offers air service to and from various destinations. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1927 when farmer Herman Will opened a tract of land in Normal Township, leading to the eventual establishment of an airfield in the community. Today, Central Illinois Regional Airport continues to serve passengers, providing efficient travel options to destinations across the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Central Illinois Regional Airport |
| Other names | Bloomington Municipal Airport, Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal, CIRA |
| Location | Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois, US |
| Address | 3201 Cira Dr, Ste 200, Bloomington, IL 61704 |
| Airport Code | BMI |
| Owner | Bloomington–Normal Airport Authority |
| Public transport | Connect Transit's Tan Line |
| Founding date | 1946 |
| Founder | Charles G. Shafer |
| Passenger boardings (2023) | 164,672 |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is in McLean County, Illinois
Central Illinois Regional Airport is in McLean County, Illinois. The airport is located three miles east of Bloomington and southeast of Normal. Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority owns the airport, which is also known as Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA). The airport is served by Connect Transit, with the Tan Line running from the airport to Uptown Normal.
The history of an airport in the Bloomington-Normal region dates back to 1927 when farmer Herman Will opened a 70-plus-acre tract in Normal Township. In 1928, the Normal field featured a six-plane hangar, a fueling pump, a wind cone, and a circle of crushed stone 100 feet in diameter. On July 11, 1929, a crowd of approximately 10,000 people gathered at the airfield for the Central Illinois Air Derby, which was promoted as the most significant event of its kind in Illinois outside of Chicago.
In 1931, Century Air Lines added Bloomington to its Chicago-to-St. Louis route, but the wet winter of 1931-1932 made the field too soft for the carrier's Stinson tri-motor planes. American Airways took over the route for two days in the spring of 1933 before ending service. The original Normal airfield no longer exists, but a historic marker near the trail's north end commemorates the site.
In mid-December 1933, during the Great Depression, officials selected a 164-acre site east of Bloomington along Illinois 9 as the location for a new permanent airfield. Bloomington Municipal Airport, founded in 1946 by businessman and aviation enthusiast Charles G. Shafer, was the original name. The airport was primarily used for general aviation and flights to and from other Midwest cities. A permanent passenger terminal was constructed in 1964, and Arnie's Restaurant & Lounge, a well-known brunch and dinner spot, was located in the original terminal building.
The airport is categorized as a primary commercial service airport by the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023–2027. In 2023, the airport saw 164,672 passenger boardings, ranking it as the 198th busiest airport in the United States.
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Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority owns it
The Central Illinois Regional Airport is owned and operated by the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority, which was created in 1964 under the Illinois Airport Authorities Act. The airport authority operates as an independent municipality with a seven-member Board of Commissioners, with two members from Bloomington, two from Normal, and three from the McLean County Board. The Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority is responsible for overseeing the airport's operations and ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and fiscally responsible travel experience for its passengers.
The history of the airport in Bloomington-Normal dates back to 1927 when farmer Herman Will opened a 70-acre tract in rural Normal Township. The Bloomington Flying Club played a significant role in promoting the economic benefits of aviation to the community. However, there was initial resistance to the idea of a municipally owned or operated airport. It wasn't until the Great Depression, with the promise of federal funding through President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, that local officials secured a site for a new permanent airfield east of Bloomington.
Originally known as the Bloomington Municipal Airport, it was founded in 1946 by local businessman and aviation enthusiast Charles G. Shafer. The airport primarily served general aviation and facilitated flights to and from other Midwestern cities. Over the years, the airport expanded and gained recognition, becoming an officially recognized airport by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1929. In 1964, a permanent passenger terminal was constructed, including Arnie's Restaurant & Lounge, a popular dining destination for both locals and general aviation visitors.
Today, the Central Illinois Regional Airport, also known as CIRA, offers air service to and from destinations around the world. It is located in McLean County, Illinois, just three miles east of Bloomington and southeast of Normal. The airport is committed to providing modern facilities, an enjoyable travel experience, and contributing to the economic development of the Bloomington-Normal Metro Region. The Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority holds regular monthly meetings to discuss airport management and welcomes comments and communications from the community.
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Bloomington is 3 miles west
The Central Illinois Regional Airport, also known as Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington–Normal, is located in McLean County, Illinois. Bloomington is 3 miles west of the airport.
The airport's history dates back to 1927 when farmer Herman Will opened a large tract of land in Normal Township. The Bloomington Flying Club helped to generate enthusiasm for the economic promise of flight. However, there was little interest in a municipally-owned airport. In 1929, a crowd of 10,000 people gathered at the airfield for the Central Illinois Air Derby, billed as a significant event outside of Chicago. In 1931, Century Air Lines added Bloomington to its Chicago-to-St. Louis route, but the wet winter made the field unsuitable for their airplanes. American Airways took over the route but only operated for two days before terminating the service.
In 1933, during the Great Depression, local officials selected a site east of Bloomington for a new airfield, which became the Bloomington Municipal Airport in 1946. Founded by local businessman and aviation enthusiast Charles G. Shafer, the airport primarily served general aviation and the Midwest region. A permanent passenger terminal was constructed in 1964, featuring Arnie's Restaurant & Lounge, a popular dining destination.
Today, the Central Illinois Regional Airport offers convenient access to central Illinois and is known by the airport code BMI. It is owned by the Bloomington–Normal Airport Authority and categorized as a primary commercial service airport. The airport provides free parking and a shuttle service, contributing to a positive travel experience for its passengers.
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Normal is southeast
Central Illinois Regional Airport is located in Bloomington-Normal, McLean County, Illinois. Normal is southeast of the airport. The airport is also known as Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA) and its airport code is BMI.
The airport is owned by the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority. It is categorized as a primary commercial service airport by the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023-2027. The airport is accessible via public transit; the Tan Line operated by Connect Transit runs from the airport to Uptown Normal.
The origins of an airport in the Bloomington-Normal community date back to 1927 when farmer Herman Will opened a 70-plus-acre tract in rural Normal Township. In 1928, the Normal field featured a six-plane hangar, a fueling pump, a wind cone, and a circle of crushed stone 100 feet in diameter. On July 11, 1929, a crowd of approximately 10,000 people gathered at the airfield for the Central Illinois Air Derby, billed as the greatest such event in Illinois outside of Chicago.
In 1931, Century Air Lines added Bloomington to its Chicago-to-St. Louis route, but the wet winter of 1931-1932 made the field too soft for the carrier's Stinson tri-motor airplanes. American Airways assumed the route for only two days in the spring of 1932 before terminating service. In mid-December 1933, during the Great Depression, local officials selected a 164-acre site east of Bloomington along Illinois 9 for a new permanent airfield. The new airport, originally known as Bloomington Municipal Airport, was founded in 1946 by local businessman and aviation enthusiast Charles G. Shafer.
Today, Central Illinois Regional Airport offers air service to various destinations, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Sky Harbor International Airport, San Diego International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Miami International Airport. The airport features free parking and a shuttle service.
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The airport is also known as CIRA
Central Illinois Regional Airport, located in Bloomington-Normal, McLean County, Illinois, is also known as CIRA. The airport's IATA, ICAO, and FAA LID codes are BMI. Bloomington is situated three miles west of the airport, and Normal is to the northwest.
The airport's history dates back to 1927 when farmer Herman Will opened a 70-acre tract in rural Normal Township. The Bloomington Flying Club, which owned a "Jenny"-type open-cockpit biplane, helped generate enthusiasm for aviation in the community. In 1928, the Normal field featured a six-plane hangar, a fuelling pump, a wind cone, and a circle of crushed stone 100 feet in diameter. The U.S. Department of Commerce recognised the Normal field as an official airport in 1929.
In 1933, during the Great Depression, local officials selected a 164-acre site east of Bloomington for a new permanent airfield. The airport, originally known as Bloomington Municipal Airport, was founded in 1946 by businessman and aviation enthusiast Charles G. Shafer. It primarily served general aviation and the Midwest.
The airport has since expanded and, in 2008, recorded 262,846 passenger boardings. As of 2023, it is ranked as the 198th busiest airport in the United States. CIRA provides convenient access to central Illinois and offers world-class airline services.
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Frequently asked questions
The Central Illinois Regional Airport is located in Bloomington-Normal, McLean County, Illinois.
The airport's address is 3201 Cira Dr, Ste 200, Bloomington, IL 61704, US.
The airport code for the Central Illinois Regional Airport is BMI.
