The terminal opening event brought together university leaders, project partners and community members to celebrate the completion of the new terminal and launch of United Express flights operated by SkyWest, which started Tuesday (Aug. 5). The new terminal expands access to convenient air travel while enhancing Purdue\u2019s presence as a regional hub for innovation and connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A project with this kind of impact is successful largely due to the university\u2019s partnerships with various stakeholders, including Lilly Endowment Inc., READI and surrounding communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Thanks to the partnerships with leaders of our state and local community, Purdue University Airport now has a new commercial passenger service terminal honoring the Boilermaker legacy of Amelia Earhart,\u201d said Purdue President Mung Chiang. \u201cThe new aircraft and service are yet another reflection of the tremendous economic growth in Greater Lafayette today and will further accelerate the creation of jobs, talent and innovation along America\u2019s Hard Tech Corridor.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 10,000-square-foot facility is designed and built to meet Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration requirements. It also meets the needs of the larger, 50-passenger commercial flights between Purdue University Airport and Chicago\u2019s O\u2019Hare International Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUnited and SkyWest are excited to partner with Purdue University to launch this new jet service,\u201d said Kevin Peters, director of United\u2019s network and fleet strategy. \u201cThis collaboration reflects our shared commitment to making the service a success, and we thank Purdue for its vision and support that made it a reality. With just one flight to Chicago, passengers can easily connect to destinations around the world on United\u2019s global network.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The terminal\u2019s exterior features curbside drop-off space, new signage and landscaping. A hangar was demolished to make way for a new parking lot, and safety improvements have been made to other parking areas and the railroad pedestrian crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once passengers check in for their flight in the lobby, featuring Purdue-branded graphics, they progress through security, which includes new screening equipment from the TSA. After security, passengers will wait to board planes in an area with new furniture and a small marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was important for this terminal to have a special look and feel while also providing convenience and comfort,\u201d said Jessica Robertson, Purdue\u2019s associate vice president for Auxiliary Services. \u201cProviding commercial air services again is a significant achievement for the university, and we want to share the Boilermaker pride with passengers traveling to and from our historic airport.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n United Express\/SkyWest tickets may be booked now on the Purdue Airport website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue\u2019s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap \u2014 including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative \u2014 at https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/president\/strategic-initiatives<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Auxiliary Services and Physical Facilities are part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization provides safe, reliable and transformative services. Opening a new terminal and enhancing commercial air services are just some of the many ways the organization helps power Purdue.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2508-airport-planetaxi.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2508-terminal-blockp.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
About Purdue University<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About Administrative Operations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n