Indy Airport Reports Record-Breaking Year to Date
Five out of the 10 busiest days in IND history occurred in first half of 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 20, 2024) -- The numbers are in, and the Indianapolis Airport Authority is reporting record-breaking passenger traffic for the first half of 2024, with more than 5.2 million people having traveled through the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) from January through June.
“First and second quarter data show us that we’re tracking at 10-percent higher in passenger travel than in 2023 and 2019,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director. “In fact, five out of the 10 busiest days in the airport’s history have occurred in 2024 so far, and four were from 2023.”
The year started out with record-breaking, first quarter passenger traffic, which was driven by the NBA All-Star game in February and a busy Spring Break travel season.
In fact, March 2024 became IND’s busiest month of all time, with 967,597 total passengers, and surpassed the previous record held in 2019 by nearly 10 percent.
Summer travel kicked off with record numbers
May kicked off the summer travel season with a 12-percent increase in passenger traffic, compared to 2023. More than 967,360 passengers flew through the Indy airport in May, making it the second-busiest month of all time. The days leading up to and immediately after the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and Memorial Day Weekend had the most passenger activity.
But June 2024 took the busiest-month-ever title, with 995,139 total passengers traveling through IND. Those numbers were boosted by Olympic hopefuls and swimming enthusiasts who visited Indy for the Olympic Swim Trials, along with a continued summer travel boom.
The top three busiest months of all time at IND are now June, March, and May 2024, respectively.
IAA officials report airline seat capacity is up 7 percent this summer compared to 2023. Summer travel in 2024 at the Indy airport is also spurred by Indianapolis hosting major sporting events and conventions, including the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, National Eucharistic Congress, Brickyard 400 and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Grand Boulé.
“We’re confident the Indy airport will hit double digits with a record 10 million total passengers for the year,” said Rodriguez. “The real question is when it will happen.”
As Indy airport officials look to the months ahead, they are prepared for another record-breaking Fall Break travel season and holiday travel to cap off 2024. And airlines are responding accordingly.
“It’s a consistent sight, especially between 5 a.m. - 7 a.m., with passengers flying out of IND in high numbers,” said Keith Berlen, IAA senior director of operations and public safety. “And we’re doing our part to ensure a positive customer experience through the airport and with a few small adjustments, passengers can ensure a happy travel experience too.”
Hoosiers traveling are encouraged to always check with their airlines before leaving for the Indy airport for any unexpected flight delays or cancellations, arrive two hours before boarding time, consider parking options before arrival and follow TSA tips on how to properly pack to avoid security screening delays.