Roberta Aguirre
Indianapolis International Airport (IATA: IND, ICAO: KIND, FAA LID: IND) is named after Colonel Harvey Weir Cook, a World War I flying ace from Wilkinson, Indiana, who died while flying a P-39 over New Caledonia in World War II. The airport, located seven miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis, has consistently been ranked as one of the best airports in North America, owing to its excellent customer service and efficient operations. With a focus on passenger comfort and experience, the airport offers a seamless travel journey and has become a gateway to the city of Indianapolis.
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What You'll Learn
- Col. Harvey Weir Cook: The airport's terminal is named in his honour
- Post-9/11 design: It was one of the first airports designed after the attacks
- Wilkinson, Indiana: Cook was from this town, and there is a park named after him there
- Military service: He was a flying ace in WWI and died in a P-39 in WWII
- Recognition: The airport has been recognised for its excellent customer service
Col. Harvey Weir Cook: The airport's terminal is named in his honour
The current terminal at Indianapolis International Airport is named after Colonel Harvey Weir Cook, a US Army Air Forces flying ace from Wilkinson, Indiana. Cook became a flying ace during World War I with seven victories and died while flying a P-39 over New Caledonia in World War II.
The airport, located seven miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana, has a rich history dating back to the late 1920s. It was initially called the Indianapolis Municipal Airport when it opened in 1931, replacing the older Stout Field as the primary city airport.
In 1944, the airport was renamed the Weir Cook Municipal Airport to honour Col. Harvey Weir Cook. The current terminal, which opened in 2008, is officially named the Weir Cook Terminal, honouring the site's heritage and the contributions of Col. Cook.
Col. Harvey Weir Cook's legacy is commemorated at the airport with a life-sized statue in the lobby area of the terminal. Additionally, historical displays showcase his Hat in the Ring ensignia from World War I and his pilot's license, signed by Orville Wright. These tributes celebrate his military and aviation service, recognising his integral role in establishing the airport.
Indianapolis International Airport has been recognised for its excellence, voted Best Airport in North America by Airports Council International and Best Airport in America by Condé Nast Traveler readers. With its world-class service and commitment to the community, the airport serves as a gateway to the city of Indianapolis.
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Post-9/11 design: It was one of the first airports designed after the attacks
The Indianapolis International Airport's Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal, designed by HOK, is one of the first airports designed after the September 11 attacks. The terminal's design reshaped the overall airport and positioned Indianapolis as a 21st-century global crossroads.
The terminal's design process began just after the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001. The airport was officially opened in 2008 and was one of the first post-9/11 airports designed and built in the United States.
The terminal features a monumental "civic plaza" central hall with 35-foot ceilings, merging art, retail, social and civic functions with the passenger experience. The Civic Plaza includes restaurants, shops, comfortable seating areas, and tables for dining or having a cup of coffee. The plaza also serves as a pre-security gathering place for passengers and airport visitors.
The terminal's design offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including downtown Indianapolis, through its five-story window wall and high-performance curtain wall systems. The roof's sweeping geometry reinforces the path of travel and the movement of passengers between landside and airside.
In addition to its architectural design, the terminal incorporates sustainable practices. It is one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified aviation campuses, reducing the airline industry's environmental impact. The terminal's location between two parallel runways has also reduced taxiing times, resulting in decreased fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The Indianapolis International Airport continues to commemorate the September 11 attacks, honoring the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives. A piece of recovered steel from the World Trade Center is permanently displayed at the airport's fire station, symbolizing the strength and unity found in the aftermath of the tragedy.
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Wilkinson, Indiana: Cook was from this town, and there is a park named after him there
Indianapolis International Airport (IATA: IND, ICAO: KIND, FAA LID: IND) is named after Colonel Harvey Weir Cook, a flying ace from World War I, who hailed from Wilkinson, Indiana. Colonel Cook had seven victories to his name and died flying a P-39 over New Caledonia in World War II.
Wilkinson, Indiana, is thus the hometown of Colonel Cook, and the town has a park named after him. The park features a life-sized statue of the Colonel, as well as a replica two-seater plane with Cook in one seat, leaving the other seat open for children. The town of Wilkinson has honoured its native son with this park, recognising his achievements and contributions to aviation and military service.
The airport itself is located seven miles (11 km) southwest of Downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana. It is a busy airport, serving over 50 nonstop destinations and accommodating millions of passengers each year. The airport has been recognised for its excellent customer service and has received numerous accolades, including being named the "'Best Airport in North America' on multiple occasions.
The current terminal, named the Weir Cook Terminal, opened in 2008 and was one of the first designed and built in the United States following the September 11 attacks. It features a 40-gate terminal pavilion, a monumental central hall, and various amenities for travellers. The terminal building proudly bears Colonel Cook's name, honouring his memory and his integral role in establishing the airport.
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Military service: He was a flying ace in WWI and died in a P-39 in WWII
Indianapolis International Airport is named after Colonel Harvey Weir Cook, a US Army Air Forces pilot who served in World War I and World War II.
Col. Harvey Weir Cook was a flying ace in WWI, achieving seven victories. He was highly decorated and recognised for his bravery and skill. During WWII, he flew a variety of combat missions and played a crucial role in the war effort. Unfortunately, Col. Cook died in 1944 while flying a P-39 over New Caledonia. His death shocked the military community and he was remembered as a hero.
Col. Cook had a distinguished career in the US Army Air Forces and made significant contributions to the development of aviation. He was also instrumental in establishing the Indianapolis Municipal Airport, which was renamed in his honour after his death. The airport, which opened in 1931, played a strategic role during WWII, serving as a training base for pilots and a hub for military aircraft.
Col. Cook's achievements and sacrifices were honoured in several ways. The new terminal, which opened in 2008, was named the Weir Cook Terminal, recognising his integral role in the airport's history. Additionally, a life-sized statue of Col. Cook was erected in the lobby, along with displays showcasing his WWI memorabilia, including his pilot's license signed by Orville Wright. These tributes ensure that Col. Cook's legacy is remembered and celebrated by travellers passing through the airport.
The airport has continued to evolve and expand over the years, with new runways, concourses, and gates added to accommodate increasing air traffic. As of 2023, it was ranked as the 47th busiest airport in the US and the busiest in Indiana, serving over 4.7 million passengers annually. The airport has also received numerous accolades, including being named the Best Airport in North America multiple times.
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Recognition: The airport has been recognised for its excellent customer service
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has been recognised for its excellent customer service, receiving numerous accolades and awards over the years.
The airport has consistently ranked highly for customer satisfaction, with Airports Council International (ACI) naming it the "Best Airport in North America" for twelve consecutive years. This recognition is based on feedback from travellers, with ACI surveying nearly 600,000 passengers in 2023 on various aspects of airport service quality, including wayfinding, check-in processes, and the range of shopping and dining options available. Indianapolis Airport has also been recognised for its role in promoting local arts and culture, showcasing the city's diverse communities and playing a vital part in attracting major events and conventions to Indianapolis.
In addition to its impressive ACI ranking, Indianapolis International Airport has received further endorsements for its customer experience. J.D. Power ranked the airport first in customer satisfaction, and Travel + Leisure Reader's Choice Awards named it the "Best Domestic Airport." The airport has also been recognised as a "Best Place to Work" by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, reflecting its positive impact not only on travellers but also on its employees and the local community.
The airport's focus on delivering a world-class customer experience has been instrumental in attracting large-scale sporting events to the city, such as the NBA All-Star weekend, the Indianapolis 500, and other major conventions. This success has brought economic benefits to Indianapolis, solidifying its reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination.
Indianapolis International Airport's commitment to excellence in customer service extends beyond the airport itself. The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) actively supports the Central Indiana community socially, environmentally, and economically. This includes initiatives such as developing a solar farm to power airport operations and contributing to honey bee preservation efforts by establishing the Indianapolis Airport Community Apiary.
The recognition and awards received by Indianapolis International Airport are a testament to its dedication to providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive travel experience for its passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
The Indianapolis airport is named after Colonel Harvey Weir Cook, who was a flying ace of World War I with seven victories and died flying a P-39 over New Caledonia in World War II.
The airport's full name is Indianapolis International Airport (IATA: IND, ICAO: KIND, FAA LID: IND).
The current terminal, named the Weir Cook Terminal, was the first airport in the US that was designed and built following the September 11 attacks.
