Parking, runways, and key operational areas at airport prepped and ready for winter storm

INDIANAPOLIS— Airport personnel are busy preparing key operational areas as a winter storm, predicted to be a mixture of ice and several inches of snow, is set to strike central Indiana.

Although there have only been two closings in the history of Indianapolis International Airport—one during a blizzard in 1978 and the other in 2000 from an ice storm—crews are already at work to ensure disruptions are minimal.

PRE-STORM PREPARATION

Airport duty managers and other operations personnel are working with FAA control tower personnel, as well as airline station managers, to minimize delays in arriving and departing flights.

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has 27 pieces of snow removal equipment. Outside contractors are utilized for snow and ice removal in non-critical areas on airport property. Crews are currently clearing as many existing snow piles as possible.

Runways and ramps are being pre-treated with FAA-approved chemicals (salt corrodes aircraft parts) which require more labor and equipment to apply.

Most delays result from the time-consuming process of de-icing planes and FAA clearance for aircraft take-off in inclement weather. Severe ice accumulation grounds departing flights and delays the arrival of inbound flights from other areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AIR TRAVELERS

Passengers departing from or arriving at IND are advised to check with their airlines before traveling to the airport for the next several days.

Even if a flight is on time, add an extra hour to your planned arrival time.

Drivers or those who plan to park should expect the airport parking garage and main surface lot to fill quickly. Those who need to park their cars should be patient and allow plenty of time to find parking. For a listing of all parking areas, and driving maps, visit www.indianapolisairport.com.