Indiana’s South Bend International Airport (SBN) opened its new General Aviation Facility this week, granting a new home for general aviation, charter and scheduled international flights.
The facility comes with several advantages for the airport. For one, it grants the option for flights to arrive in the city without having to undergo Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing at another port of entry. It will also become the first Indiana location to offer Global Entry enrollment later this month. That system allows for scheduling of appointments with CBP during set hours Monday through Wednesday.
“As a state, we’re committed to enhancing connectivity, helping both businesses and talent reach key markets across the country and around the world,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “The work being done at the South Bend International Airport sets the stage for growth and creates the opportunity to attract new commercial, international service to the South Bend-Elkhart region to further propel tourism, economic development and talent attraction throughout northern Indiana.”
Though the expansion of Global Entry represents a forward step in CBP’s connections with South Bend, they have been operating there for years. International corporate and general aviation flights have been processed there since June 2017 and four air carriers provide nonstop flights from there to 12 cities throughout the United States.