The big debt payments on the $1.1 billion midfield terminal at Indianapolis International Airport start coming due in January--just as a recession hits and the battered airline industry cuts capacity. Despite the likely prospect of fewer passengers than projected in the next year or two, airport managers say they don't anticipate problems shouldering the roughly $40 million a year in debt burden over the next 30 years for the new facility.

Indianapolis International Airport officials hope to double advertising revenue, pushing it past $1 million, when the midfield terminal opens in November. That income, officials said, is important because it helps ease pressure on cash-strapped airlines, allowing them to focus on offering more flights. The airport relies on non-airline revenue, such as food sales and advertising, for about 60 percent of its revenue.

Five airlines at Indianapolis International Airport--all of them paying higher fees and rents to help pay for the $1.1 billion midfield terminal--complain they may be stuck footing the bill for part of the $214 million FedEx cargo-hub expansion.

Busy touting restaurants, artwork and other luxuries of the $1.1 billion midfield terminal, the Indianapolis Airport Authority is still grappling with a few details arguably more important to passengers. Among them: How much will it cost to park? The answer might be among the more surprising aspects of midfield. Officials are considering slashing rates for the 5,900-space successor to Indianapolis International's existing 1,776-space garage.