Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) welcomed nearly 800,000 passengers in 2023 and is served by the regional affiliates of many of the largest U.S. carriers, as well as low cost carrier Allegiant Air. FWA is presently in the midst of a major capital improvement project that will see the terminal building expanded, with tremendous investments being made to improve accessibility for disabled travelers.
The airport’s single terminal building is easy to navigate, and a TSA security checkpoint is located steps from the check-in area.
Airlines & Concourse
At the time of writing, the following airlines provide service to Fort Wayne International Airport and operate out of the main terminal building:
- Allegiant Air
- American Eagle
- Delta Connection
- United Express
All airlines operate from a single terminal and check-in is easy. Passengers should find their airline’s ticket counter, then follow the airport signage to the security checkpoint and boarding gate.
For domestic flights, it is recommended that passengers with disabilities check-in two hours prior to departure. At this time, no international flights depart from Fort Wayne but, should that change, airlines advise passengers to arrive three hours prior to scheduled departure. While it is always best to arrive early, it took me less than 20 minutes to check-in and clear security.
Special Assistance Services & Accessibility at Fort Wayne International Airport
Disability assistance services should be requested prior to travel. If you have not yet made a request for assistance, be sure to contact your airline or consult this list of wheelchair assistance contacts at major airlines.
For those traveling with a personal wheelchair, it is possible to gate-check the device at Fort Wayne International Airport, regardless of whether it is manual or powered. I found that, upon arrival to Fort Wayne, my wheelchair was delivered within about 20 minutes.
The airport’s bathrooms are wheelchair accessible and outfitted with ADA stalls for wheelchair users and people with disabilities. A number of private family restrooms are available throughout the terminal building. As part of the airport’s $140-million transformation dubbed “Project Gateway,” FWA installed an adult changing table in a private unisex bathroom near gate seven, which dramatically improves accessibility for adult travelers with disabilities.
FWA participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and has invested in a sensory room with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating and other tools that provide a place of refuge for children and adults with sensory disabilities.
Fort Wayne International Airport provides a service animal relief area in the secure area near gate seven.
Additional accessibility features in the terminal building include large and oversized signage, a cane trail for blind and low vision travelers and wheelchair accessible seating.
More information on accessibility and disability assistance is available on the Fort Wayne Airport website.
Accessible transportation to/from Fort Wayne International Airport
There are no wheelchair accessible taxis in the City of Fort Wayne, and the Citilink public transportation system does not provide service to the airport.
Wheelchair accessible transportation to and from the airport can be contracted through the Community Transportation Network, a non-profit organization based in Fort Wayne which has a large fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles available for hire.
For more information, or to read frequently asked questions about air travel with a mobility disability, consult the Wheelchair Users’ Guide to Air Travel.
