Master Plan

An Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive study for an airport that is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plan typically describes short-term, medium-term, and long-term development plans providing avenues for future aviation growth, with these plans serving as a guide for future airport planning efforts.

The results of the plans are provided in two documents:
    1) A planning report that guides development strategy
    2) A set of Airport Layout Plans describing current and future condition

Airport Master Plans typically have a long-range component of a 20-year window to guide this strategy. Gary / Chicago International Airport last updated its Master Plan in 2001, and this current effort will reflect the recently completed projects while offering an updated vision to guide Airport planning efforts for the next 20 years.

For more information about this master planning process, check out answers to some Frequently Asked Questions

Once completed, GCIA’s updated Master Plan will outline the airport’s development needs based on a forecast of aviation demands. The plan considers general aviation, cargo, and potential commercial passenger activity and includes recommendations for facilities, including the airfield, terminal, roadways, parking, and other support facilities to accommodate all users at the Airport. An Airport Layout Plan set of drawings will accompany the Master Plan, and position GCIA to receive funding from the FAA, INDOT, and other sources.

1 – Goals and Objectives
2 – Inventory
3 – Forecast
4 – Requirements
5 – Alternatives
6 – Proposed Development Plan
7 –  Environmental Analysis

Appendix A – Environmental Conditions
Appendix B – Runway Length Justification
Appendix C – Planning Level Cost Report