IND: Navigating the Skies
Your comprehensive guide to Indianapolis International Airport, a vital hub for passenger and cargo air travel.
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Airport Overview
Location & Codes
Indianapolis International Airport (IATA: IND, ICAO: KIND, FAA LID: IND) is situated seven miles (11 km) southwest of Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
It occupies approximately 7,700 acres (3,116 ha) across Wayne and Decatur townships.
Ownership & Service
Owned and operated by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, IND serves as a critical gateway, offering non-stop flights to over 50 destinations across North America and Europe.
It is recognized as the busiest airport in Indiana and ranks among the top busiest airports nationally.
Cargo Hub Significance
IND hosts the second-largest FedEx Express hub globally, contributing significantly to its high cargo throughput. This operational scale consistently places it among the top U.S. airports for air cargo volume.
Republic Airways also maintains its headquarters at the airport.
Historical Trajectory
Early Operations
Established as Indianapolis Municipal Airport on September 24, 1931, it replaced the older Stout Field. Initially built on 320 acres, it was expanded significantly to accommodate future growth.
In 1944, it was renamed Weir Cook Municipal Airport, honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Colonel Harvey Weir Cook.
Authority & Renaming
Ownership transferred to the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) in 1962. The airport was subsequently renamed Indianapolis International Airport in 1976.
The original passenger terminal facilities, operational from 1957, were replaced by the modern Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal in November 2008.
Modernization & Hubs
The airport saw significant airline activity, including a secondary hub for USAir in the late 1980s/early 1990s. FedEx established its major hub in 1988, driving substantial cargo growth.
Recent years have seen expansions, including a new midfield terminal, a significant solar farm, and the introduction of international routes, enhancing its global connectivity.
Airport Infrastructure
Terminal
IND features a single, modern terminal named the Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal, opened in 2008. It comprises two concourses (A and B) with a total of 39 gates.
Concourse A serves international arrivals and carriers like Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country, and United.
Concourse B accommodates airlines such as Alaska, Allegiant, American, and Southwest.
Runways
The airport operates three runways:
- 5L/23R: 11,200 ft (3,414 m) - Concrete
- 5R/23L: 10,000 ft (3,048 m) - Concrete
- 14/32: 7,278 ft (2,218 m) - Asphalt
Recent upgrades, including LED lighting and reconstruction of Runway 5R-23L, enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Air Traffic Control
The FAA's Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZID) is located on the airport's north side.
The airport's control tower, standing approximately 348 feet (106 meters), opened in 2006. It ranks as the fourth tallest in the U.S. and fourteenth globally.
Airport Hotel
A new Marriott Westin-branded hotel, featuring 253 rooms, is under construction. It will connect directly to the terminal parking garage.
The facility will include a full-service restaurant, meeting spaces, a fitness center, and a public-access lounge with airfield views, projected for completion in December 2027.
Operational Statistics
Passenger Traffic
In 2024, IND handled approximately 10.5 million passengers, marking a significant increase and reflecting robust recovery post-pandemic.
Top domestic routes include Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Chicago-O'Hare, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Note: Passenger numbers show consistent growth, indicating strong demand.
Cargo Throughput
IND is a major cargo hub, handling over 4.4 million metric tons of cargo in 2024.
FedEx Express remains the primary cargo operator, contributing the vast majority of the airport's cargo volume.
The airport consistently ranks among the top cargo airports in the United States.
On-Time Performance
Domestic major U.S. carriers operating at IND demonstrate strong on-time performance.
In 2024, approximately 82% of departures and 78% of arrivals were on time, with low cancellation rates.
Key Statistics Tables
Top Destinations (Domestic)
| Rank | City | Passengers | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta, Georgia | 468,880 | Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit |
| 2 | Denver, Colorado | 368,470 | Frontier, Southwest, United |
| 3 | Orlando, Florida | 313,670 | Frontier, Southwest, Spirit |
| 4 | Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois | 294,140 | American, United |
| 5 | Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas | 280,000 | American, Frontier, Spirit |
Market Share (Passenger)
| Rank | Airline | Passengers | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest Airlines | 2,827,000 | 27.67% |
| 2 | American Airlines | 1,760,000 | 17.23% |
| 3 | Republic Airways | 1,542,000 | 15.10% |
| 4 | Delta Air Lines | 1,231,000 | 12.05% |
| 5 | Spirit Airlines | 656,000 | 6.42% |
Airlines & Destinations
Passenger Airlines
IND is served by major carriers including American, Delta, Southwest, United, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Alaska, Aer Lingus, and Air Canada Express.
Service spans numerous domestic cities and key international locations like Dublin, Toronto, Cancun, and Punta Cana.
Cargo Carriers
IND is a major cargo hub, primarily served by FedEx Express, which operates its second-largest global hub here.
Other cargo operators include Cargolux, Castle Aviation, Atlas Air, and Mountain Air Cargo.
Route Maps
Domestic Destinations
International Destinations
Safety & Incidents
Mid-Air Collision (1969)
On September 9, 1969, Allegheny Airlines Flight 853 collided mid-air with a Piper Cherokee near Fairland, Indiana, during its descent into IND. The DC-9 crashed near London, Indiana, resulting in the loss of all 82 occupants.
Ramada Inn Crash (1987)
On October 20, 1987, a USAF A-7D Corsair II experienced an engine malfunction and crashed into a Ramada Inn near the airport. The pilot ejected safely, but the incident tragically claimed the lives of nine hotel employees.
Roselawn Plane Crash (1994)
American Eagle Flight 4184, an ATR 72 operating from IND to Chicago–O'Hare, crashed in a soybean field near Roselawn, Indiana, on October 31, 1994. All 68 individuals on board perished.
Additional Information
Related Links
Explore further resources related to Indianapolis International Airport and its context:
- Indiana portal
- Aviation portal
- List of airports in Indiana
- List of busiest U.S. airports
- Transportation in Indianapolis
External Resources
For official information and updates, please refer to the following:
- Official Indianapolis Airport Website
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. Information provided herein should not substitute for consulting official airport documentation, aviation authorities, or qualified professionals. The creators assume no liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.