It’s that time of year when upwards of 320,000 fans will converge in Indiana’s capital city to cheer on their favorite car at the Indianapolis 500-mile race, commonly known as the “Indy 500.” The long-standing annual race draws attendees from around the world to watch cars speeding by at over 322 kilometers per hour. Managing the influx of visitors and air traffic into the city takes considerable planning and preparation to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.

How the commercial aviation industry accommodates Indy 500 attendees

The Indy 500 is held over the last weekend of May, which is a long weekend due to the observance of Memorial Day in the United States. Last year’s race drew record attendance, a significant boon to the Indianapolis economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were about 1,000 total arrivals and departures at Indianapolis International Airport (IND).

An American Airlines Airbus A321 flying below dark clouds.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Both American and United Airlines increase their flight frequency between their respective hub cities and Indianapolis to better accommodate the increased volume of travelers. American Airlines increases its flight frequency on routes to and from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Philadelphia. United Airlines increases flights to and from Chicago, Houston, Newark, and Washington, DC. The airlines also typically deploy larger aircraft.

Seating capacity for flights serving Indianapolis totaled over 124,000 in 2022. Ground transportation for race fans is also provided through a partnership between the airport and Indianapolis Motor Speedway via shuttle service to and from the track at a cost of $50 per person.

The Indianapolis International Airport also endeavors to provide a unique experience for Indy 500 fans. In the past, the airport has set up a real Indy car that travelers can pose next to for photos as well as a temporary retail shop selling official race merchandise.

Special event procedures

During the Indy 500 weekend, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implements certain procedures for safety and to minimize delays at the seven airports serving Indianapolis. Aircraft not landing in the Indianapolis area are requested to avoid overflight below 13,000 MSL within 32 kilometers of the city. Additionally, the FAA cautions pilots that wake turbulence may be significant due to the volume of flights serving the metropolitan region.

Two race cars speeding on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track.
Photo: Paul Hurley via Indianapolis Motor Speedway

There are flight restrictions over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the duration of the race, beginning one hour before the start and ending one hour after the conclusion of a qualifying event, according to the FAA’s Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) for the event. Throughout the race weekend, the airspace over the Speedway is deemed “national defense airspace,” and pilots that do not adhere to the flight restriction may be subject to consequences, including civil penalties and even criminal charges.

Further, the FAA requests that pilots adhere to the preferential arrival and departure times when submitting flight plans and sets forth preferred IFR routes and guidelines for VFR arrivals. Instructions are provided to pilots on obtaining VFR and IFR clearances. The FAA emphasizes the importance of obtaining a weather briefing and reviewing applicable NOTAMS prior to their flights.

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