The “International” title is for marketing purposes, but has merit in the fact that the Peoria Airport has a U. S. Customs Office so it is thus recognized as a Port of Entry, i. e., where cargo can enter the country. Other airports serving similar-sized “catchment areas” in the Midwest have adopted “international” in their name fo the same reasons – Des Moines, Fort Wayne, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, Quad Cities, etc.

The local airport board is realistic. They have no dreams of being some kind of “Downstate O’Hare.” The “international” title carries with it some stature, but also legitimacy due to its long (1986) Port of Entry status. Besides, the new terminal will have separate facilities for processing international passengers should that be necessary. International charters are a possibility in a few years – probably to Cancun.