South Bend International Airport officials detail renovations, future plans
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend International Airport has been a site of contention for travelers over the last 2 months, as a $20 million renovation disrupts traffic.
South Bend International Airport’s “Upfront” renovation plans to create a rideshare lane, and a dedicated pickup and dropoff area that is covered from rain and snow. The lanes will be separate, unlike it was initially.
The short-term parking lot is closed due to construction, and the long-term lot has a payment update. Scanning a QR code or texting a code will register your license plate number, and the total is calculated when you leave.
South bend’s airport surpassed 1 million visitors in a year which is high for an airport of that size, and which project manager Jeremy Yahwak says is a call for an airport update.
“Growing means more pains and problems that come along with it.” Yahwak said. “We are doing our best we’ve got a great team at the airport with our contractors, with our internal airport staff, with our tenants, and our new concessioner to make the airport as great as we can. It does not come without its own hiccups and shortcomings, but we are all very optimistic and looking forward to when they are all done”
Although the project has been going on for only 2 months, many people have complained that it felt longer. This could be due to the fact that this update comes on the heels of a different five-year long project being completed in fall of 2025.
And amid other smaller changes-such as the look in gate counters-and the removal of South Bend Chocolate Company in favor of Jimmy Johns, The Lauber and Dunkin Donuts, many complaints argue the airport does feel local enough anymore.
“It was based on feedback of what the customers wanted what the passengers wanted.” Yahwak said. “We are still partnering with a local company in The Lauber, and then also maintaining local employment for everybody that works here. We may be parting ways with one company, but we are still maintaining that local feel and bringing local vendors and businesses to the area”
Previously, there was only one place to grab food before security and one after. Now there’s set to be 2 places to grab food before TSA and 3 places after; as well as a bar and an overlook. Allegiant, American, Breeze, United and Delta all fly out of the airport, and with back to school around the corner, the inside should look better and have more food options sooner than later according to Yahwak.
“Given the situation we were in with our previous concession here. We only have one offering to begin with for many years. And so now we are looking at hopefully in the next month or so having multiple offerings after TSA so were very excited about that.”
Although the airport has seen many changes over the past few years, the changes are designed to aid passengers’ experience and accommodate to a larger number of visitors while keeping a local feel.