INDIANAPOLIS (May 21, 2026) – As the Indy 500 race weekend approaches, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is anticipating one of its busiest travel periods of the year – with more than 70,000 people expected to fly out of Indy May 22 – 25.
Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a big travel period with the greatest spectacle in racing attracting more than 300,000 fans to the city from around the world, combined with the official kickoff of the summer travel season.
The Indy airport anticipates the heaviest travel day will be May 25 with nearly 23,000 passengers expected to depart out of Indy following the race. Heaviest travel times Friday through Monday will be 4 a.m. – 6 a.m.
The Indy airport encourages travelers to arrive at the airport two hours before their boarding time, and consider parking and transportation options before leaving for the airport. For IND travel tips, click here.
RACE WEEKEND WELCOME: IND ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET
The terminal is decked out and ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of fans from across the country and around the world for the Indianapolis 500 race. Below are some of the photo-op and backdrop visuals on display in the public-access locations of the terminal:
An Arrow McLaren INDYCAR on display in the Baggage Claim area
Pop-up shop selling official IMS merchandise in Civic Plaza
IMS INDYCAR on display in Civic Plaza
Race-themed banners, artwork and guest experiences throughout Civic Plaza
Including a podium photo-op station where race fans can wave the green and checkered flags.
MAY – NEW ALLEGIANT FLIGHT
May also marks the launch of a new Allegiant flight:
Allegiant Air: IND – Burbank (BUR) | May 22 | 2x weekly, Mondays & Fridays (seasonal)
SUMMER 2026: NEW AIRLINE, NEW ROUTES, MORE FLIGHTS
IND has a bigger summer ahead — with a brand-new airline making its inaugural flights out of Indy, a new nonstop flight to a previously unserved destination, and expanded transatlantic service to Europe.
Southwest Airlines: IND–San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) | June 6 | Previously unserved nonstop destination from Indianapolis
Avelo Airlines: Inaugural flights on new low-cost airline | June 18 | Nonstop service to New Haven, CT (HVN) and Concord, NC (USA)
Aer Lingus: IND–Dublin (DUB) | Additional fifth weekly flight on Thursdays runs April through summer
The Indy airport currently operates nonstop flights to 57 destinations; 52 of those nonstops fly to U.S. destinations.