Since it first opened in 1931, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has adapted and grown to meet the challenges of the nation's rapidly growing and ever-evolving and commercial aviation industry.
Its first passenger terminal was built at a cost of $150,000. In comparison, the second terminal, which was built in 1956, cost $1.9 million. With the development of a new airport complex located off I-70, the terminal which opened in 2008 cost $1.1 billion and was the largest civic development in City of Indianapolis history.
Throughout the course of its development, the Indianapolis airport has played an important role in the city's economic growth and stability. It continues to do so today through the business, commerce, and logistics sectors.
- Home of the second-largest Federal Express operation in the world, Indianapolis International Airport is the eighth largest cargo airport in the U.S. and the 21st largest cargo facility internationally.
- IND was ranked as having the 28th lowest average airfares in the nation, 14th in airports having the greatest capacity for growth, and seventh best for flight growth by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistcs during the third quarter of 2008.
General information
Please review these major milestones in the history of Indianapolis International Airport by decade and the accompanying historical timeline (PDF).
For specific questions about the airport's development, or the development of IAA's general aviation airports, please call 317.487.9594.