INDIANAPOLIS — At least 100 private jets will fly into Indianapolis ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, according to new estimates from the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
The IAA believes that number could likely rise in the days leading up the NBA All-Star events downtown.
“That number is fluid and is forecast to increase as we get closer to the game,” an IAA spokesperson told 13News on Tuesday.
Among the many celebrities and businesspeople expected to fly private into town, IAA anticipates most of the NBA players on the 2024 All-Star roster will also use their own transportation to get in and out of the Circle City.
“As for incoming player flights, the IAA is not privy to their schedules or airline passenger manifests. However, IAA does anticipate most players will arrive on private aircraft using IAA's fixed-based operators,” IAA said, referring to FBOs, a term used to describe private businesses that offer services to private and corporate aircraft.
NBA All-Star game basketball court installed inside Indianapolis Airport
The Indianapolis International Airport is capable of processing private air travel through two companies out of IND: Million Air and Signature Aviation. The Indianapolis Executive Airport in Boone County also services private aircraft, and said they expect a roughly 10% to 20% increase in traffic numbers at the airport during All-Star Weekend.
“Due to our location about 45 minutes outside of the downtown area, the Indianapolis Executive Airport is not expecting a major increase in aircraft traffic, due to the All-Star Game,” an Indianapolis Executive Airport representative said.
Indy Exec. reported that they averaged 26 private jet operations per day last year and are number two in the state in this category. Indy International Airport remains the top business aviation operator in the state, according to Indy Exec.
Private jet use among ultra-wealthy Americans has drawn controversy in recent months from critics and environmental advocates who maintain the planet cannot support the method of transportation for an elite few.
Private planes emit five to 14 times more pollution per passenger than commercial planes and 50 times more than trains, according to the European clean transportation nonprofit group, The European Federation for Transport & Environment.
In 2022, aviation overall accounted for 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, and grew faster in overall emission throughout recent decades than rail, road or shipping. Worldwide, the United States has the most private jet registrations, with over 14,600 private jets registered to various individual and corporate owners.
From an operations standpoint, the IAA said they have been in coordination with TSA, FAA, IND airlines, fixed base operators and the IAA's reliever airports to ensure "timely communication and coordination for increased air traffic overall for NBA All-Star."
IAA said they have also been in communication and coordination with its business partners at the airport, including airlines, concessionaires and rental car partners to ensure everyone is ready to meet the travel demand.
Volunteers will be staged at the airport as part of the Host Committee volunteer program throughout the city, and IND also staffs locations around the airport campus with badged airport-employee volunteers.
“These volunteers are ready to welcome guests with award-winning Hoosier hospitality and address any questions they may have in navigating the airport and onto the fun downtown for NBA All-Star,” a spokesperson for the Indianapolis International Airport said.
Welcome tables will also be staffed by airport employees and located post-security in each concourse to welcome guests. Additional amenities will be available in the Ground Transportation Center for Uber & Lyft customers as well, according to the airport.