Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

The Historic Indianapolis International Airport Terminal

Where Memories Take Flight

Once a bustling hub for travelers, the old Indianapolis International Airport terminal holds stories of departures, reunions, and the magic of flight. Let’s wander its now-vacant halls:

  1. Design and Evolution:

    • Mid-Century Charm: Built between 1954 and 1987, this terminal complex evolved over the years. Its architecture reflected the mid-century aesthetic—clean lines, expansive windows, and a sense of optimism.
    • Renovations and Expansions: Notable renovations occurred in 1968 (Concourses A & B), 1972 (Concourse D), and 1987 (Concourse C and the attached Parking Garage). Each upgrade brought modernity and convenience to travelers1.

  2. Concourse Chronicles:

    • Concourse A & B: Imagine passengers bustling through these concourses, clutching tickets and dreams. The echoes of boarding calls lingered in the air as flights departed for destinations near and far.
    • Concourse C: Here, travelers waited, sipped coffee, and exchanged stories. The concourse’s expansive windows framed views of taxiing planes and the promise of adventure.
    • Concourse D: The final chapter—where farewells were whispered, and arrivals embraced. Families reunited, and travelers stepped onto the tarmac, ready to explore the world.

  3. Gate-Checked Tags and Memories:

    • Hundreds of gate-checked tags once adorned the floor. Each tag carried a journey—a connection made, a business deal sealed, or a vacation memory etched forever.
    • The old terminal witnessed Super Bowl crowds, holiday rushes, and everyday comings and goings. It was more than a building; it was a crossroads of lives.

  4. Demolition and Nostalgia:

    • In 2008, the old terminal closed its doors when IND’s Midfield Terminal opened. It stood vacant until its eventual demolition in 2013.
    • As machines pulled apart its walls, memories lingered—the laughter of children, the hum of luggage carts, and the anticipation of flight.

Remembering the Past: Today, the old terminal lives on in photographs, auctioned items, and the hearts of those who passed through its gates. It’s a testament to the ever-changing skies and the indelible mark of travel.