Airport plans large expansion, upgrades

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - As part of the expansion plan for the Indianapolis International Airport announced Friday, daily operations will increase from a current total of 154 daily departures to 540.

And that's just one piece of the new proposal.

From hotels, restaurants and shopping next to the passenger terminal, to manufacturing, distribution and warehousing in the outer ring, the Indianapolis airport is preparing for more major changes.

The new additions are expected to bring $30 million to $60 million in revenue each year to Central Indiana.

“We think in 30 years, you're going to see the airport look like a vibrant economic community,” said Mark Hedegar of the planning committee.

One of the first changes planned is a solar farm built off I-70.

With a new terminal also included, it's expected that more than 14 million people will pass through the airport itself each year by the time the plan is fully in place.

As of now, no plans are in place to tear down the old airport.

“In the immediate future, you will not see that happen until we find a replacement use for that,” Hedegard said. “We'll make a financially prudent decision when it comes to that time.”

The hope is for an air cargo service or a new carrier to take over the old terminal and either expand the existing building or replace it.

Airport officials did not give an estimated price tag for these developments.

They said the cost depends on which businesses are eventually developed in and around the area.

They do expect the bulk of that funding to come from the private sector.