Indianapolis International Airport
IND serves as a gateway to the city
From world travel to cross-country logistics, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is a hub of global business here in Indiana. Our airport has a reputation as one of the best in the country, famous for its “Hoosier Hospitality” towards domestic and international passengers alike.
From world travel to cross-country logistics, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is a hub of global business here in Indiana. Our airport has a reputation as one of the best in the country, famous for its “Hoosier Hospitality” towards domestic and international passengers alike. But IND was not always the world-class international waypoint it is today.
When it first opened in 1931, Indiana’s largest airport was simply known as the Indianapolis Municipal Airport. Local leaders had seen a need for a new airport directly owned by the City of Indianapolis, so they began building on 1,000 acres of land just seven miles out from downtown. After World War II, they renamed it the “Weir Cook Municipal Airport” in honor of Air Force fighter Col. Harvey Weir Cook—and created the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) to administer all the airports within the region.
Indianapolis International Airport Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal
By the 1970s, the IAA realized that international travel was essential for Indiana’s growing economy. So, in 1976, they invested in a whole new building dedicated to international flights and customs services at the airport. This expansion opened the door for more foreign direct investment and global trade in Indiana. And in recognition of these new capabilities, the board officially renamed IND the “Indianapolis International Airport.”
Now, the Indianapolis International Airport averages about 145 flights per day and welcomes travelers from all across the globe. Over the past 50 years, IND has become the 8th largest cargo facility in the United States and the 2nd largest FedEx hub in the world. The airport sees more than 8 million passengers and nearly 1.1 million tons of cargo each year, and best of all, IND still ranks as one of the best airports for passenger satisfaction.
In fact, IND has been named as the Best Airport in North America for 11 years in a row. This recognition is awarded by the Airports Council International, which evaluates survey feedback from passengers all around the world. They assess key factors such as cleanliness, ease of navigation, and on-site amenities to determine which airports go above and beyond to make their passengers feel welcome.
This Hoosier Hospitality has also been named on the Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Airports in America list for nine years in a row. According to Condé Nast, frequent fliers praise the airport’s convenient shopping and diverse dining options, as well as the outstanding and aesthetic design features in the facility. The airport is flexible in accommodating large crowds, while still maintaining its local charm.
Throughout the Indianapolis International Airport, visitors can partake in art, music and other installations that promote cultural diversity. The airport is already designed to be stunning and sustainable, as the first airport in the U.S. to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
But the IAA makes an effort to engage local creators in unique ways to bring art and culture into the building. These exhibits include sculptures and murals, historic photographs and artifacts, and mixed media animations—each representing the beauty of their culture.
IND has consistently been voted as the best airport in North America.
IND also partners with minority-led and foreign-based organizations to help them increase awareness and understanding of cultural diversity. Over the years, the IAA has worked with the Asian American Alliance, the Indiana Black Expo, the Indiana Latino Institute, and the Japan-America Society of Indiana, among many others. And in June, the airport announced a new permanent art installation from Indianapolis artist Brenna McCarty, commissioned by The International Center for their 50th anniversary.
Through these partnerships, the Indianapolis International Airport has made significant strides in bringing the world to Indiana—both literally and figuratively. IND is now a globally recognized entity responsible for millions of passengers each year. But their dedication to international diversity and inclusion ensures that everyone can feel at home here in Indiana.
