Top Aircraft Choices for Short-Haul Flights to Indianapolis
Just a thirty-minute drive from Hendricks County, Indianapolis Airport is the most convenient, accessible, and well-developed airport to fly into when visiting one of Indiana’s most magical regions.
With Indianapolis Airport proving vital for the people of Hendricks County and the rest of the U.S. in general, it remains crucial to choose the right aircraft so that you can make these short-haul trips as comfortable and reliable as possible. We separate this guide into private and commercial aircraft so that you can select your preference depending on your budget.
Let’s dive into the perfect aircraft for these short trips.
Private Aircraft
When flying commercially, flights are quite clearly defined between short-, medium-, and long-haul. Each of these categories includes various aircraft that suit differing needs.
A Very Light Jet (VLJ), such as an Eclipse 500 or a Cessna Citation Mustang, is a great option for 1–4 passengers traveling from a neighboring state like Illinois or West Virginia. If you’re heading to or from Hendricks County with extended family, then a Light Jet like the Bombardier Learjet or the Embraer Phenom 300 would do the trick. If you’re looking for a aircraft charter when flying into Indianapolis, here are your best short-haul options:
Cessna Citation Mustang
The Cessna Citation Mustang is a perfect choice for flights of up to two hours or 1,000 miles, such as Indianapolis to Chicago or Atlanta. Renowned for its compact yet practical design, the Mustang comfortably seats four passengers, making it like an air taxi of sorts. A favorite among pilots, the Mustang allows passengers an extra seat to sit up front if privately owned, so you can get as close as possible to the heart of the action.
Despite its size, the Mustang offers a surprisingly generous amount of luggage space, including a unique ski tube perfect for transporting skis or snowboards to nearby ski destinations like Michigan’s Boyne Mountain or Perfect North Slopes in Indiana. This VLJ can access smaller airports with runways as short as 1,000 meters, making it an ideal choice for quick getaways to regional winter sports destinations or nearby cities for a weekend break.
Hawker 800XP
This option is on the more luxurious side, but it’s perfectly equipped if you need to work on the go or conduct a last-minute meeting before a big presentation. With onboard Wi-Fi and a capacity for two crew members and eight passengers, the Hawker 800XP also has a range of 4,763km. This makes it an excellent option for any short-haul flights to Indianapolis International Airport.
The only downside to chartering such a luxurious jet is that it’s less fuel-efficient than smaller jets and might be more expensive than many businesses are willing to pay for a short-haul trip.
Eclipse 500
If you’re looking for a jet that’s practical, efficient, and relatively inexpensive, the Eclipse 500 might just tick all the boxes. Perfect for short- to medium-range trips like a quick hop from Indianapolis to Denver or a ski getaway to Boyne or Snowshoe Mountain, this twin-engine jet balances comfort with affordability.
With room for up to six passengers, a range of 1,125 nautical miles, and plenty of space for your luggage, the Eclipse 500 is as versatile as they come. The sleek, modern cabin offers ample legroom, and it's quiet ride makes it a comfortable choice for business or leisure. The best part? It’s certified for single-pilot operation, which adds to its convenience and keeps costs down.
While it might not have the flashiest features, its practicality and fuel efficiency make it a smart choice for those looking for a straightforward, cost-effective way to fly quickly to Indianapolis International Airport.
Commercial Options
Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in just seven years, Indianapolis International Airport has served the region well. It consistently ranks among the top 10 busiest airports in the U.S. for air cargo and serves as the second-largest FedEx Express hub in the world. Outside of air cargo, however, Indianapolis also carried almost 9.8 million passengers in the past year alone.
While you don’t quite have the same diversity in options when flying commercially, some airlines offer more comfortable options than others when flying in and out of Indianapolis. For example, American Airlines often uses its Embraer ERJ 175s from Indianapolis to LaGuardia Airport, NY. This short- to mid-haul aircraft has a large bin size and offers power outlets next to every seat.
Another great option is the Airbus A321, which American Airlines often flies from Charlotte to Indianapolis. It seats 170–200 passengers and is large enough for airlines to utilize 18-inch-wide seats, giving passengers an even more comfortable flight. The cabin width also offers the opportunity for a wider aisle and plenty of overhead storage space to help passengers board and disembark comfortably.
How Will You Arrive in Indianapolis?
With so much choice, there’s an option for all budgets and levels of luxury when flying into Indianapolis International Airport. From the ultra-luxurious Hawker 800XP private charter to one of the most comfortable and feature-packed commercial planes on the market, the Embraer 175, you always have the option to arrive in style when visiting Hendricks County via Indianapolis.