Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

Central Illinois Regional Airport (IATA: BMI, ICAO: KBMI), officially known as Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (CIRA), serves the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area in McLean County, Illinois. It operates scheduled domestic flights connecting the region to major hub airports and vacation destinations across the United States.

Official Website: cira.com

Telephone: +1 (309) 663-7383

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates a single modern two-level passenger terminal building, featuring check-in counters and baggage claim on the ground floor and the TSA security checkpoint and departure gates on the upper concourse.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2024): 329,648 passengers (165,701 enplanements and 163,947 deplanements).

Information Desks

Traveler assistance and airport information are available at the Airport Authority offices and airline customer service counters in the main terminal lobby.

 Location

The airport is located in McLean County, 5 km (3 miles) east of downtown Bloomington and southeast of Normal, Illinois, with direct roadway access via Illinois Route 9 (Empire Street).

What services does Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) offer?

Central Illinois Regional Airport offers a comfortable passenger experience with essential amenities and modern conveniences.

Finance & Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the terminal building.
• ATMs: Cash machines are situated in the public area of the terminal.
• Charging Stations: Power outlets and USB charging points are integrated into concourse seating near departure gates.

Dining

Located post-security in the gate area, Jetstream Restaurant & Radar Bar offers breakfast options, hot sandwiches, snacks, beer, cocktails, and Co-Pilot brand coffee. In addition, vending machines offering beverages and light snacks are available pre- and post-security.

Shopping

A gift shop and newsstand in the departure concourse provides newspapers, magazines, books, travel essentials, and souvenirs.

Meeting Rooms & Relaxation Areas

The pre-security terminal lobby features a modern public lounge with comfortable seating, a relaxing waterfall, and the Illinois State University Student Art Gallery. Executive conference rooms (including the Prairie Room) are available for business rentals through the Airport Authority.

Baggage Services

Inquiries regarding items misplaced inside the terminal should be directed to the Airport Authority administration. For issues concerning checked luggage, please visit your airline's baggage service office in the baggage claim area.

Accommodation near Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

While there are no hotels located within the terminal building, several accommodations are situated along Illinois Route 9 within minutes of the airport, many offering complimentary airport shuttle service:

Hotels Near the Airport

• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington Airport: 1.1 km (0.7 miles) away.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington-Normal Airport: 1.5 km (0.9 miles) away.
• Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Bloomington: 1.6 km (1.0 mile) away.
• Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center: 2.5 km (1.5 miles) away.
• Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center: 3.0 km (1.8 miles) away.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal: 4.0 km (2.5 miles) away.

Public and private transportation

Travel time between the airport and downtown Bloomington or Normal is approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car or public transit.

Public Transit

The local transit agency Connect Transit provides scheduled bus service stopping right outside the passenger terminal, linking the airport directly with the Downtown Bloomington Transit Center and Uptown Station in Normal.

Taxis and Hotel Shuttles

Local taxi operators and private car services pick up outside the terminal building near baggage claim. In addition, several Bloomington-Normal area hotels offer complimentary courtesy shuttles for their guests upon prior arrangement.

Rideshare Services

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers curbside in front of the terminal building.

Car rental agencies

Rental car counters are conveniently located on the ground floor inside the terminal's baggage claim area. Vehicles are picked up and returned in the lot adjacent to the terminal.

Available Agencies

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Hertz
• National Car Rental

Car Rental Requirements

Drivers must provide a valid driver's license, government-issued photo ID or passport, and a major credit card in the primary renter's name for the security deposit. The standard minimum rental age is 21, with young driver surcharges applying to drivers under 25 depending on company policy.

Parking services at Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

One of the primary benefits for travelers at Central Illinois Regional Airport is that parking is completely free for all passengers and visitors.

Parking Facilities

• Short-Term & Long-Term Parking: Paved, well-lit surface lots situated directly in front of and adjacent to the terminal building, with no hourly or daily parking fees.
• ADA Accessible Parking: Reserved accessible spaces clearly marked and located in the rows closest to terminal entrances.

Important Considerations

No parking ticket or validation is needed. During busy travel seasons or construction activities, follow posted detour signs; complimentary shuttle bus service is available between distant parking spaces and the terminal.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

The airport terminal provides comprehensive accessibility features for travelers with disabilities and special needs.

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair service, boarding assistance, or escort through security checkpoints should request support through their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Accessibility & Facilities

• Ramps, automatic doors, and elevators linking ground and upper concourse levels.
• Accessible restrooms and a dedicated family restroom on the ground level.
• Accessible TSA security screening lane and airport participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program.
• Designated service animal relief area located outside west of the terminal building, near employee parking.