Gary/Chicago International Airport broke ground Friday September 18, 2026, on a new $18.3 million dollar air traffic control tower. The project represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to replace the airport’s existing control tower, which has served the airport since 1972. Officials say the new facility will enhance airfield visibility, operational efficiency, communications capabilities, and safety while supporting the airport’s continued growth as a key transportation asset for Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago region. The new tower, which will be about 50 feet taller than the current structure, is expected to be complete by late 2027.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony represents the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and investment in the future of the Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Dan Vicari, Executive Director of GCIA. “The new air traffic control tower will provide the modern infrastructure needed to support future aviation growth, enhance safety and operational efficiency and ensure GCIA remains a key economic engine for Northwest Indiana and the Chicago region for decades to come.”
“This is the result of years of planning, persistence and partnership among airport leadership, our federal and state partners, and the many stakeholders who share our vision for the future of Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Dr. Vanessa McCloud, Commissioner of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. “As stewards of this important public asset, the Airport Authority has remained committed to making strategic investments that strengthen safety, support economic development, and position the airport to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. The new Air Traffic Control Tower is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the airport’s recent history and an important step in fulfilling that mission.”
“The Gary/Chicago International Airport is a vital economic engine for our city and the entire Northwest Indiana region, and I want to sincerely thank the FAA, Congressman Frank Mrvan, our state partners, and the Airport Authority for their incredible collaboration in making this milestone a reality,” said City of Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “This $18.3 million investment in a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control Tower not only brings 120 skilled-trade jobs to our community during construction, but it ensures that GCIA is positioned to capture future aviation and cargo growth. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Gary.”
“Congratulations to all the leaders with the Gary/Chicago International Airport on securing another critical federal investment, as this new Air Traffic Control Tower is an investment in the future of Gary, our airport, and all Northwest Indiana,” said Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-1). “I look forward to continuing our partnership with GCIA to bring more transformative federal investments and new economic opportunities to our region.”
“Today’s groundbreaking symbolizes the beginning of the replacement of the current outdated Air Traffic Control Tower here at the Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Michael Buening, Chief Airport Engineer of the Indiana Department of Transportation. “The proposed new taller control tower will provide a state-of-the-art facility and equipment to improve the safety, efficiency and operations of all air traffic and airfield activities here at the airport.”
