http://www.fansmanship.com/the-epicenter-of-awesome/

General Aviation

Hamilton County residents are well served by 5 nearby general aviation airports. The county owns and operates Indy Executive Airport which recently expanded its main runway to 7,000 feet, the longest general aviation runway in the state, now capable of landing all private jet aircraft. The airport hosts 100 aircraft, including 20 jets and conducts more than 40,000 operations per year. It is the fourth busiest non-towered airport in the US. The airport hosted private jet flights from around the country for the 2012 Super Bowl. It was awarded “Indiana Airport of the Year” recognition in 2007.

Indianapolis Executive Airport opens longest general aviation runway in central Indiana

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Executive_Airport

https://www.prweb.com/releases/woolpert-celebrates-completion-of-15m-runway-extension-at-indianapolis-executive-airport-301991725.html

‘https://www.aviationindiana.com/ai-airport-of-the-year/

https://indyexec.com/

Indianapolis Metro Airport is located in Fishers near the Marion County border and operated by the Indianapolis Airport Authority as a “reliever airport”. It has 110 based aircraft and conducts 25,000 operations each year. It has a single 4,000-foot runway and is actively developing half of its 400 acres for aviation-related uses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Metropolitan_Airport

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/fishers/2022/10/10/will-andretti-hq-finally-spur-build-out-at-metro-airport-in-fishers/69544886007/

Eagle Creek, Anderson and Indy Regional airports to the southwest, north and southeast also offer general aviation services to Hamilton County residents.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Creek_Airpark

‘https://www.flyjetaccess.com/fbo-locations/eagle-creek-airport-eye/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Municipal_Airport

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Regional_Airport

‘https://www.flyjetaccess.com/fbo-locations/indianapolis-regional-airport-mqj/

Indianapolis International Airport

Indianapolis is the 34th largest metro area in the US and ranks in the top 50 airports for passenger traffic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_statistical_area

North American Airport Traffic Report

The airport completed its midfield terminal project in 2008 and is consistently rated a top US airport.

USA TODAY 10BEST list names Indy airport as best in the nation

https://www.ind.com/about/media/media-releases/travel-leisure-readers-pick-indy-airport-as-one-of-the-worlds-best

https://simpleflying.com/indianapolis-airport-customer-satisfaction-award/#:~:text=Summary,security%2C%20and%20exceptional%20customer%20service.

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2023/03/06/indianapolis-airport-wins-best-airport-in-north-america/69977592007/

https://www.hok.com/projects/view/indianapolis-international-airport-colonel-h-weir-cook-terminal/#:~:text=Weir%20Cook%20Terminal,-Indianapolis%2C%20Indiana&text=The%20design%20for%20this%20new,terminal%20constructed%20in%20the%20U.S.

Indianapolis boasts main runways of 11,200 and 10,000 feet and a cross-wind runway of 7,200 feet. Indy is home to one of the nation’s 22 FAA control districts. Indianapolis has 40 direct flight destinations. Due to its Fed Ex hub status, it joins its neighbors Chicago, Louisville and Cincinnati as “top 10” US air cargo carriers, ensuring that the airport receives priority FAA funding and maintenance.

Historically, Indy residents took advantage of the US Air hub in Dayton (74th largest metro area) and the Delta hub in Cincinnati (30th largest metro area) within 2 hours, but those attractions have expired. Louisville (43rd largest metro area) is also within 2 hours but has never had preferred flight options.

Similarly, Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland, Nashville, Milwaukee and Columbus are large metro areas within 5 hours of Indy, but typically do not have super attractive air travel options worth a long drive.

Chicago’s Midway (31st busiest) and O’Hare (4th busiest) airports DO provide solid air travel options for Hamilton County residents, just 3 hours away.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O%27Hare_International_Airport

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midway_International_Airport

Despite its relatively small size, Indy has attracted all national carriers and many discount carriers. Its average ticket is $396, just above the $392 national average. Among top 50 metro areas, it ranks 20th at $396, just above the median of $390.

https://www.transtats.bts.gov/averagefare/

Summary

Hamilton County has several top-quality general aviation options. The Indianapolis International Airport is a national leader in quality and service. Prices are roughly average. Indy has a relatively low number of direct flights, so travelers often need to connect through major hubs or drive to Chicago, especially for international destinations.