13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |New airport terminal opens Tuesday

New airport terminal opens Tuesday

Lynsay Clutter/ Eyewitness News

Indianapolis International Airport's new Midfield Terminal is nearing completion, almost ready to open next week.

This ticket area is complete, with only final touch-ups left to do and just beyond the point inside the civic plaza, retail and food vendors are going in right now.

The shops and restaurants are a big enhancement from the old airport with a combination of both local and national favorites.

Stores like Brooks Brothers, Johnston and Murphy, and Borders Books.

Restaurants like Harry & Izzy's, Café Patachou, Naked Chopsticks Sushi, Shapiros Deli, and the first Indy 500 Bar and Grill.

"We've brought in our greenery, all the plants are in, we've moved in the seating, we're building our restaurants. We have our wine bar that is almost finished," said David Dawson, airport spokesman. " We are trying to create a place that will be a welcoming atmosphere that will say "Indianapolis."

The first commercial flight scheduled to land at the new terminal will be shortly after 8PM Tuesday evening. The first outbound flights are Wednesday November 12th.

If you take off from the old terminal, and land at the new, a free shuttle service outside baggage claim will take you back to your car.

Also next week, INDOT will uncover the overhead signs for I-70 exit 68 and remove signs for the existing airport exit overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday.

There will be as many as 20 signs directing traffic to the correct exit during the transition period.

A Tuesday ceremony will include cutting a 1,000 foot ribbon, dozens of speakers, bagpipes and a flyover by the Indiana National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing.

Airport officials pushed back the opening of the new $1 billion terminal by two weeks to coincide with Veteran's Day.

Indianapolis Airport Authority board president Randall Tobias said the new date was selected as a tribute to veterans.

Transition information and amenities