Air travel options for residents of Greater Lafayette soon might grow, with five carriers eyeing service from Gary/Chicago International Airport, which recently expanded its runway.
The airport completed a nearly 2,000-foot runway expansion in July. The motivation for that project was simple, according to Daniel Vicari, executive director of the airport: “To be able to have larger aircrafts going to further destinations.”
The expansion wasn’t just to entice commercial air service, Vicari explained, it also was to bolster business from cargo and charter planes. Now, Vicari said, "things are a lot more marketable."
The airport is in negotiations with five commercial airlines, and Vicari hopes passenger service will begin soon. While Vicari couldn’t specify which airlines officials are negotiating with, he said the service will target not just business travelers and frequent flyers but those looking to travel for vacation or to visit family. While legacy carriers such as United, Delta and American target repeat business, others — such as Allegiant and Spirit — tend to fill their planes with vacationers.
"All these other pieces are working toward getting us close to being a competitive suburb, having that aviation asset in there is huge if you’re thinking long term," said Hanna, president of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.