Gary Chicago International Airport

Gary Chicago International sits just south of Lake Michigan in Gary, Indiana, roughly 30 miles from downtown Chicago. For private aviation passengers, it offers a practical alternative to the congestion at Midway and O'Hare, with no slot requirements and significantly shorter taxi times. The airport handles general and business aviation without the commercial airline traffic that slows operations at Chicago's primary airports.

Gary Jet Center is the airport's fixed base operator, handling fuel, ground handling, hangar space, and passenger services. The facility is straightforward and efficient rather than lavish. Passengers coming from Chicago's south side or northwest Indiana often find this airport considerably faster than routing through Midway. The airport has a single main runway at approximately 7,000 feet, suitable for most midsize and large-cabin jets.

Downtown Chicago (The Loop) is about 30 miles northwest, typically a 40 to 55 minute drive depending on I-90/94 and the Chicago Skyway. Indiana Dunes National Park is roughly 15 miles to the east along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The South Shore Line commuter rail runs from Gary's downtown station into Chicago's Millennium Station, though the station is several miles from the airport, making car service the practical choice for most passengers. Car service and rideshare options serve the airport, and operators at Gary Jet Center can coordinate ground transportation on request.