Race Weekend Air Travel to Exceed 2022 Numbers

INDIANAPOLIS (May 25, 2023) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is gearing up for not only the biggest spectacle in racing worldwide, but one of the biggest air travel weekends of the year for the city.

The Indy airport is expecting approximately 84,000 travelers to fly in and out of Indianapolis this weekend, as visitors from all over the world descend on the city for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

“This is always the most exciting weekend for us here at the Indy airport, as we roll out the red carpet for everyone coming ‘back home again to Indiana’ to experience the greatest spectacle in racing,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “And indications from our airline partners say this will be a huge weekend.”

Airport data shows that airlines have increased seat capacity by more than 8%, including 23 additional flights for race weekend compared to other May weekends this year. This Memorial Day Monday has the most added seat capacity with a 19% increase compared to the Monday of the week prior.

Examples of routes with significant added capacity for race weekend include United Airlines’ nonstop flights to Newark and San Francisco, and American Airlines’ nonstop flight to Austin. American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and United airlines all are providing additional access to Indianapolis during race weekend.

As race fans and holiday travelers depart Indianapolis, TSA indicated that more than 22,000 people are expected to be screened at IND checkpoints on Memorial Day, with the 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. timeframes expected to be the busiest times of day. As a comparison, just over 17,000 passengers were screened on Memorial Day in 2022 and 2019 at IND.

“We love to see race fans and holiday travelers coming through the checkpoint, but everyone plays a role during busy weekends like this one,” said TSA’s Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt. “Arriving to the airport with extra time and knowing what can and can’t be packed in carry-on and checked bags, as well as packing a little patience for our officers and your fellow passengers, will result in a better screening experience for everyone.”

A World Class Welcome from a World Class Airport

The Indy airport is the Best Airport in North America in its category, and it’s earned that title for 11 years in a row because of its worldwide reputation for delivering an outstanding customer experience – and it pulls out all the stops to do just that on race weekend.

Travelers arriving at IND are greeted with the sights of iconic vehicles on display in the terminal, a year-round treat made possible through a partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. This year, a Penzoil Dallara IRO fielded by Panther Racing and best known for its close racing battles is on display in Concourse A, and a Tombstone Life Novi with its loud distinctive roar of a Novi V-8 engine is on display in Concourse B.

The Indy airport will also feature unique banners as part of the Indy Arts Council and Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Welcome Race Fans partnership. Five Indianapolis-based artists -- Jessica Bowman, Chrystopher Burns, Julie Xiao, Boxx the Artist and Scott Johnson -- have created artworks that will help welcome visitors to Indianapolis and celebrate the history, culture and excitement of the month of May.

Race fans also can get their groove on to the sounds of local artists, Music Box led by bassist Lester Johnson, from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. on May 26.

And retail shops throughout the airport show off a plethora of Indy 500 merchandise, including a pop-up shop in Civic Plaza open now through May 30, where race fans can find a range of Indy 500 gear.

Race Day Transportation

The Indy airport will also collaborate again this year with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to provide shuttle service to and from the track on race day. Tickets are available for purchase online for $50 per person.

More information about the shuttle service can be found on the IMS website.

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