General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport features a modern terminal that opened in April 2011, designed by Reynolds, Smith & Hills and the Dewberry architecture firm, constructed by Turner Construction. The facility operates 13 boarding gates serving domestic flights, having expanded from its original nine-gate design to accommodate growing passenger traffic that reached 687,601 travelers in 2024, marking the airport as one of the Midwest's fastest-growing small-hub facilities.

The terminal's most significant enhancement came with the 2016 completion of the Ray Lahood International Arrivals Terminal, adding gates, TSA services, and a U.S. Customs Port of Entry facility that enables international charter and general aviation processing despite no scheduled international service. This expansion positioned Peoria to handle diverse aviation needs while maintaining efficient domestic operations through three airlines - Allegiant, American, and United - connecting to 13 destinations including new daily non-stop service to Denver launched in March 2025.

The airport's infrastructure supports remarkable passenger growth, with monthly records consistently broken including 80,836 passengers in July 2025 (26% year-over-year increase) and 70,672 in December 2025. Named Illinois Primary Airport of the Year for 2024 by the state's Division of Aeronautics, the facility balances operational efficiency with passenger amenities including restaurants, shops, business services, and free WiFi throughout the terminal. A $13.51 million grant for a replacement Air Traffic Control Tower represents ongoing infrastructure investment.

Peoria International serves central Illinois with a terminal designed for modern travel requirements, replacing facilities that predated TSA security protocols and ADA requirements. The airport's strategic location approximately 180 miles southwest of Chicago provides an alternative to congested metropolitan airports while offering comprehensive services including conference rooms for business travelers, comfortable waiting areas, and ground transportation options. The facility's continued growth trajectory reflects its success in capturing regional demand while maintaining operational efficiency through its single-terminal design.