South Bend airport looks to go international

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - A regional airport in northern Indiana is looking to land some international flights.

The South Bend Tribune reports officials with the South Bend Regional Airport announced plans Wednesday to become an international airport. Airport Executive Director Mike Daigle says the airport will begin a multi-million dollar project to add a general aviation facility and a federal inspection station. He says the airport will receive some federal money and state funds.

Airport officials say they already have been working to get the necessary approvals. Daigle says once the final plans are approved, the airport will begin accepting construction bids. He says construction could take six to nine months.

Daigle says after that, airport officials will renew talks with two airlines interested in routes to Mexico and the Bahamas.