Gary/Chicago International Airport celebrated the unveiling of its new permanent U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility last week. The million-dollar facility was built along the north side of the airfield, adjacent to the terminal and within seconds of the airport’s FBOs. Users will have the ability to leave the airport directly from the CBP facility or taxi back to a hangar or servicing facility.

“The grand opening of the new general aviation customs facility opens the door to a whole new international market and services for the airport and its users,” said airport authority chairman Tim Fesko, citing a list of recent improvements to the airport and its FBOs. “There’s a lot of momentum at our backs, and we are excited about the continued growth of the airport and opportunities customs at the airport will bring.”

In 2015, the airport extended its runway to 8,859 feet, making it the second longest in the region after Chicago O’Hare International, and since then operations have increased by 15 percent while fuel flowage revenue has risen by 82 percent. Earlier this year, the airport completed a nearly $8 million runway rehabilitation project. The two FBOs on the field, B. Coleman Aviation and Gary Jet Center, have each spent millions to update and expand their facilities with new terminals and hangars in the past four years.

"This new customs facility is a significant upgrade for the Gary/Chicago International Airport and for the City of Gary, allowing for international passengers to fly directly into northwest Indiana," noted Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) at the opening ceremony. "I am optimistic these infrastructure improvements will further boost the region's economy and create local jobs."