Indianapolis International Airport, which uses the IATA airport code IND, is an airport that provides both domestic and international flights. It is situated in Marion County, Indiana, and is approximately 7 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis, providing easy access to residents and business professionals.
The airport opened in 1931. At the time, it was called Indianapolis Municipal Airport. In 1944, it became Weir Cook Municipal Airport. It was named after a pilot from World War 1, Harvey Weir Cook, who became an ace while flying over Europe. He died during World War II.
In 1962, the Indianapolis Airport Authority took ownership of the airport. There is a board of eight members that is responsible for making decisions related to the airport. All decisions are run through the mayor, and all choices are made in conjunction with officials and experts in the industry to ensure the airport meets the needs of its consumer and commercial clients.
The Expansion
During the past few decades, the airport has expanded significantly. Numerous renovation projects have taken place, and multiple terminals have been added. Because the Indianapolis metropolitan area has grown quickly, the airport needed to expand to meet its growing needs. The airport has also served as a central hub for multiple airlines over the years. During the 1980s and 1990s, US Air (which was later renamed US Airways) maintained a hub in Indianapolis. The airport is centrally located, so flights can reach the east and west coasts relatively easily.
Today, the airport is one of the busiest in the Midwest. While other airports have opened in the general vicinity, Indianapolis is still the dominant airport in the area. Other major airports are several hours away, with some of the biggest examples including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport (also located in Chicago), the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Future construction projects are already on the books for Indianapolis International Airport, but because of supply chain issues, some of them have been delayed. In the meantime, the airport continues to serve millions of domestic and international passengers every year.
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