Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

In 2008, Chrysalis provided activation services for the brand-new Indianapolis International Airport (IND), the first airport in the United States to be fully designed and built after the events of September 11, 2001. The $1.1 billion project represented one of the most ambitious airport construction programs of its time, incorporating post-9/11 security standards and passenger flow considerations into every aspect of the design. The new 1.2 million-square-foot terminal and concourses opened on time, on budget, and without incident in November 2008. Chrysalis’s engagement with the Indianapolis Airport Authority encompassed tenant coordination, airline coordination, and comprehensive logistical planning. The team managed all aspects of the physical move from the old terminal to the new facility, creating the request for proposal (RFP) for moving services, interviewing potential contractors, and recommending the vendor selection. To mitigate risk and ensure operational continuity, Chrysalis formed cross-functional working groups to address transition considerations and potential operational challenges. A signature feature of Chrysalis’s approach was the creation of a Transition Peer Review team, bringing together senior executives from other major airport construction projects to share lessons learned and best practices with Indianapolis leadership. This collaboration provided valuable insights that informed decision-making, helped anticipate operational hurdles, and ensured a smooth, well-coordinated opening. The new terminal instantly elevated Indianapolis’s passenger experience, operational efficiency, and security capabilities. More than 15 years later, IND continues to be recognized as one of the best airports in the country, topping the USA Today 10Best list and earning multiple J.D. Power customer satisfaction awards for its category. These accolades reflect the strong foundation established at opening—one that Chrysalis helped shape through meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and execution excellence.