Gary Airport hits milestone for international travel
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The Gary/Chicago International Airport in May celebrated its 500th international arrival, a key milestone amid the airport’s growth trajectory that has involved runway improvements, facility expansions and an acquisition.
The airport has increased international operations since opening its Customs and Border Protection facility in 2018. The 63 flights in 2024 as of Friday compares with 58 during the same year-ago period and reflects continued year-over-year growth.
“This milestone demonstrates the continued appeal of our airport to a host of air travelers, including those coming from overseas markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe,” airport Executive Director Dan Vicari said in a news release. “This recent arrival is further proof of the substantial role GCIA plays in Chicago’s air transportation system, which is one of the busiest aviation networks globally.”
The airport said its location, 25 miles southeast of the Chicago Loop, and Customs facility have helped attract international air travelers, who do not need to stop elsewhere to clear customs.
“Having a Customs facility provides us with a substantial advantage in an always competitive sector, allowing Gary Jet Center to offer their customers enhanced travel options as they make their plans,” said Lynn Eplawy, president of Gary Jet Center, one of two fixed-base operators at the airport. “Having easy access to international markets was a contributor to our decision to expand our footprint at GCIA over the past several years, and certainly helps with our marketability to non-U.S. based air travelers.”
In recent years Gary Jet Center opened a $5 million hangar and $3 million terminal, and the other operator, B. Coleman Aviation, opened a $9 million terminal and a $5 million hangar.
“The on-site facility is a tremendous asset to our business-oriented clients, who frequently determine their aviation choices based on time and convenience to their final destination,” said John Girzadas, president of B. Coleman Aviation. “The on-site customs facility has been very helpful for B. Coleman Aviation, as it has helped to open international markets and attract overseas travelers for our company.”
Other airport improvements include a $174 million runway extension in 2015 to accommodate larger aircraft, expanded cargo service operations in 2020 through a partnership with UPS, and the acquisition of Griffith-Merrillville Airport in 2023. The acquisition of the airport, located about 10 miles south in Lake County, provides GCIA with further flexibility to expand by allowing smaller operators to fly in and out of the Griffith-Merrillville Airport, airport officials said at the time.