About Central Illinois Regional Airport
Central Illinois Regional Airport, also known as CIRA, serves as the primary airport for the Bloomington-Normal area and the greater Central Illinois region. You may also recognize us by our airport code: BMI.
Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or heading out on vacation, CIRA connects Central Illinois to destinations nationwide with convenient, easy-to-use air service.
What’s in a Name?
You’ll often hear us referred to by two names, CIRA and BMI, and both are correct.
- CIRA stands for Central Illinois Regional Airport and is our official name. It’s the name you’ll see on signage, publications, and airport communications.
- BMI is our IATA airport code, used by airlines, pilots, air traffic controllers, and booking systems worldwide. IATA codes are short identifiers that help distinguish airports quickly and accurately.
The letters B-M-I come from our location in Bloomington, which conveniently contains all three letters. When booking flights online, simply enter BMI to find flights to and from Central Illinois Regional Airport.
Our History
CIRA’s roots date back to the late 1920s, when the airport began as a private airfield. In 1934, the modern airport was established with the dedication of a new airfield, funded in part by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs during the Great Depression. Since then, the airport has continually evolved, with decades of renovations, expanded facilities, new airline service, and advances in aviation technology, all to better serve Central Illinois travelers.
CIRA Today
Today, CIRA is served by four major airlines, offering nonstop service to multiple destinations and seamless connections to cities around the world. The airport is operated by the Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority and plays a key role in regional transportation, business development, and quality of life.
Air Cargo & Economic Impact
CIRA supports more than passenger travel; it is also an important hub for air cargo operations. In 2015, FedEx began operating air cargo flights at CIRA, expanding shipping capacity and service throughout the region.
FedEx operations at the airport support local jobs, strengthen logistics infrastructure, and contribute meaningful economic impact to Central Illinois, benefiting businesses and communities across the region.
Airport Statistics
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