United flights through Purdue University Airport carry 17,500+ passengers since August
The Purdue University Airport provides commercial air service to the local and campus communities for business and leisure travel. (Purdue University photo.)
Join the Greater Lafayette community and fly local, fly LAF
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University Airport (LAF) continues to see strong momentum as commercial air service grows, offering Greater Lafayette residents and Purdue faculty, staff and students a convenient, fast, affordable and reliable travel option directly from the West Lafayette campus.
Since the launch of service at the new Amelia Earhart Terminal last August and through February 2026, more than 17,500 passengers have flown commercially from LAF, with nearly 650 flights connecting travelers to destinations worldwide through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). With increased community awareness and popularity, more than 4,500 tickets have already been booked through June 2026. Flight times average just 20-30 minutes in air, providing travelers with an easier, stress-free way to access national and international destinations without the long drive, parking challenges, security lines or crowds of larger airports.
Commercial air service at Purdue University Airport is changing the way our community travels… We’re excited to see strong demand.
Jessica robertson
Associate vice president of Purdue Auxiliary Services
“Commercial air service at Purdue University Airport is changing the way our community travels,” said Jessica Robertson, associate vice president of Auxiliary Services. “These flights offer a fast, efficient alternative to long drives and congested terminals. We’re excited to see strong demand and look forward to continued growth as more travelers discover the convenience and reliability of flying out of LAF.”
What to expect at LAF
- Short flights: Flights lasting approximately 20-30 minutes in the air – and about one hour total from gate to gate – provide quick connections to hundreds of destinations.
- Fast security screenings: An average TSA processing time of five minutes allows travelers to maximize efficiency and minimize wait times.
- Affordable tickets: An average $75 one-way fare makes traveling accessible and budget-friendly.
- Convenient and inexpensive on‑site parking: Parking located just steps away from the terminal, available at $5 per day, saves travelers time and money.
- Business and personal travel: Flights available to the general public and Purdue community support flexible travel needs and the local economy.
- Large jets: Modern 50-seat aircraft provide a familiar and comfortable flight experience.
While the current U.S. partial government shutdown is causing delays at many airports due to TSA staffing shortages, LAF is currently unimpacted and can help travelers avoid long waits by enjoying an easy start to their trip at the local airport.
“Security is one-and-done at LAF for domestic and international flights when tickets are booked directly through United, and passengers don’t need to go through TSA again in ORD,” said Robertson. “That’s a significant benefit when there’s a lot of unpredictability with security lines right now at other locations.”
Adharsh Rajasekar, a Purdue graduate student, flew LAF to Chennai International Airport for a trip home over the holidays.
“The airport experience was smooth and efficient. The check-in process was straightforward, security screening was handled professionally and the overall environment felt calm and well-organized, said Rajasekar. “The airport’s compact layout made navigation easy, which I greatly appreciated.”
As commercial air service continues, Purdue encourages local residents and campus affiliates to choose LAF for convenient flights with reduced travel time, costs and stress.
Want to know more?
- Read about spring travel out of LAF.
- Book flights directly and view flight schedules on the United Airlines website.
- Learn about the Purdue University Airport.
- Follow and connect with the airport:
About Administrative Operations
Auxiliary Services and the Purdue University Airport are both part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university with safe, reliable and transformative services. Providing streamlined travel experiences for the Greater Lafayette community is just one of the ways the organization powers Purdue. Follow Administrative Operations on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about its daily impact.
Note to journalists: B-roll of the Amelia Earhart Terminal is available for use.