| INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 25, 2025) — October was a big banner month for the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) as it set three new records for busiest month, busiest day and the first million-passenger month in the airport’s history.
More than 1,056,800 passengers flew through the Indy airport last month, setting a new record for passenger traffic through the main terminal and a 9.8% increase compared to October 2024.
Additionally, Oct. 9, 2025 was the busiest day in the airport’s history with more than 24,000 passengers flying out—beating the previous busiest-day record set earlier this year on May 26.
“October saw a surge in air-travel activity out of Indy, despite federal uncertainty, delivering seven of the 10 heaviest volume days in IND history during the Fall Break 2025 timeframe,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Flights to sunbelt destinations, such as Florida cities, made up almost half (46.3%) of October flights out of Indy.
THANKSGIVING ON THE RADAR
Coming off of a record October, IAA officials turn their attention now to Thanksgiving travel – one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.
TSA anticipates approximately 108,000 travelers will fly out of Indianapolis between Nov. 25 – Dec.1. The heaviest air-travel days are expected to be Nov. 29 with an anticipated 17,000, Nov. 30 with 20,000, and Dec.1 with another 17,500 passengers departing out of Indy.
The heaviest travel times for each day are expected to be between 5 – 7 a.m.
PREPARING TO TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
With Thanksgiving being one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, it’s important for travelers to be prepared before arriving at the airport. The IAA encourages travelers to plan ahead, pack smart, and get to the airport early.
Hoosiers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate in either concourse using the concourse connector. TSA PreCheck is only available on checkpoint A. Airline ticket counters opening time varies, but they typically open two hours before flight departure.
In most instances, passengers no longer need to remove their shoes during TSA screening.
It’s important for travelers to ensure they have their government-issued identification on hand and ready to show to TSA personnel.
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Learn more at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
The Indy airport also strongly encourages travelers to consider the following travel tips below,
Before leaving for the airport
- Always check flight status with the airline prior to arriving at the airport
- Arrive a full two hours ahead of the departure time to get checked in, through security, and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call
- Download the airline’s mobile app for all pertinent travel update
- Use a mobile boarding pass or print boarding passes ahead of time
- Download the MyTSA app for 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information, including helpful tips for preparing for security and a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags
- Pack smart – check for prohibited items and follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Learn more at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/refresh-your-memory-liquid-rules
Plan ahead for parking
At the terminal
- Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up at the numerous water bottle filling stations located throughout the terminal
- New restaurants are now open at IND offering a local flavor, see all available dining options and their operating hours at https://www.ind.com/dining-shopping-services/dining
- Use the Concourse Connector to explore available dining options in both concourses, no matter which one you are flying out of
- Explore new artwork throughout the terminal from local artists. Learn more at: https://www.ind.com/publicart
- When picking up friends or family, use the Cell Phone Lot to wait, then proceed to the drive for pick-up or park in hourly parking and meet your guest inside
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