Leave it to the little regional airports to develop grandiose ideas during a recession; South Bend Indiana's puny terminal is looking to ramp up their routes and reputation with a new $12 million addition and eight jet bridges. As a small town dead in the middle of Indiana's northern border and home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend currently loses most of its student travel to Chicago airports and Amtrak.
Except for the university and the town's proximity to the Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market, South Bend doesn't get much national play. Expanding their airport may be one way to attract new tourists, but we hope they aren't putting their money on hosting Midwest Airlines. After all, even Gary, Indiana's airport failed during the days when it hosted the old Hooters Airline. Hopefully all that South Bend needs are more hydration options beyond vending machines, shiny new elevators and natural light. Flying through SBN soon? Watch out for the extra ticket taxes and airport fees implemented to support this project.
Related Stories:
· S.B. Regional Airport embarks on renovation [South Bend Tribune]
· South Bend Airport Hopes for 'Massive Renovation' [Today in the Sky]
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