2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Patrick Mac Carthaigh, A.A.E., ACE

Patrick Mac Carthaigh has quickly established himself as a results-driven airport leader, combining technical expertise with a passion for building strong teams. As Vice President of Operations at South Bend International Airport, he oversees maintenance, operations, and safety departments while driving improvements that have reshaped both the airfield and terminal experience.

In just three years, he has guided the $104 million taxiway realignment and terminal ramp reconstruction project, ensuring safety and efficiency through a short construction season. He also led the design and debut of a new Gate 4 with updated jet bridge and hold room standards, modernized restrooms and family spaces, and advanced the construction of a remote parking lot to meet rising demand. On the business side, he restructured maintenance teams for greater efficiency, implemented a new general aviation ramp parking program, and renegotiated FBO leases to increase revenue by 21 percent. South Bend also became the first airport in Indiana to pursue a Build Operate Transfer model for a commercial transportation lane, a project that will improve safety and passenger flow.

Mac Carthaigh credits his leadership philosophy to mentors who emphasized calm decision-making and creative problem-solving. “You’re either growing or you’re dying,” he said, reflecting on his approach to projects and teams. “Status quo means sliding backward, so I focus on finding ways to move forward every day.” His proudest achievements, he adds, are the teams he has built—empowering staff to succeed, holding them accountable, and stepping aside so their accomplishments can take flight.