Matt Mindrum, Mario Rodriguez, David Lewis: Greater connectivity will accelerate Indy’s growth

Indianapolis has long been known as the “Crossroads of America.” Our central geographic location and role as a national transportation hub have fueled this reputation for decades, making Indianapolis one of the country’s most accessible and strategically positioned metro areas.

But the next era of economic growth will not be won by roads alone. To remain and grow as the Crossroads of America, we must look to the sky. That is why the Indy Chamber and Indianapolis Airport Authority are joining forces to launch the Speed City Nonstop Growth Fund — a $15 million private-sector-backed fund to accelerate direct domestic and international air service to and from Indianapolis International Airport.

This will help Indy build on our already strong momentum. Over the last six years, our region has grown faster than the nation, with 12.5% real growth in gross domestic product and a population increase of 112,000. The Milken Institute ranks Indy among the top large metro areas nationwide, ahead of practically every other Midwestern peer.

Our economic strengths are growing, too. The recently launched BioHeartland brand reflects Indiana’s powerful bioscience ecosystem, bringing together global companies, research universities, startups, innovation districts, advanced manufacturing and logistics infrastructure. Indiana ranks No. 1 in life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing nationwide, with $125 billion in direct economic impact from the state’s bioscience industry. Competing in globally connected industries like these requires connectivity.

IND is already building from a position of strength. Our airport offers nonstop service to 57 destinations — the highest level of air connectivity in the airport’s history. Travelers have recognized IND as the top airport in North America for 14 years running. But sustaining and expanding that momentum requires continued investment and a strategy that keeps pace with central Indiana’s growth.

The Nonstop Growth Fund will give our region a tool we do not currently have at scale: the ability to deploy private-sector resources to compete for, win, grow and sustain high-value nonstop routes. It will help incentivize new service to priority business markets, strengthen airline partnerships and protect critical connectivity when economic uncertainty or industry headwinds threaten existing routes.

This approach offers a proven model for air service development, and the stakes extend far beyond the airport. For residents, expanded nonstop service means fewer layovers and easier travel. For businesses, it means stronger connections to customers, capital, suppliers, talent and global markets. For the region, it strengthens our ability to attract corporate investment, major sporting events, conventions and international attention.

We know the demand exists. In 2025, Aer Lingus launched nonstop service between Indianapolis and Dublin with four weekly flights. Strong demand led the airline to expand to five weekly flights this April — a clear signal that when Indy gains global connectivity, the market responds.

And other cities are not waiting to expand their direct-flight offerings. St. Louis has leveraged partnerships with its business community to launch nonstop European service, including flights to Frankfurt and London. Regional leaders expect the London route alone to generate $50 million to $100 million annually in economic impact. Nonstop service to Frankfurt was incentivized through a collaboration with the St. Louis Port Authority and business community, which each pledged $2.5 million.

This is our competitive reality. Other cities see air service as economic infrastructure. They are organizing around it and investing in it. Indianapolis must compete just as intentionally.

For decades, Indy’s central location helped define us as the Crossroads of America. Now, our business and civic community has an opportunity to build on that legacy by investing in the connections that will shape our next generation of growth.

If Indy wants to compete — and win — in the decade ahead, we cannot wait for connectivity to happen to us. We must invest in it and make it happen. With the Speed City Nonstop Growth Fund, we can help Indianapolis truly take flight.•

__________

Mindrum is president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. Rodriguez is executive director and CEO of the Indianapolis International Airport. Lewis is a retired Eli Lilly and Co. executive and civic leader.