Construction on Fort Wayne International Airport’s (FWA) West Terminal Expansion and Rehabilitation project, as part of Project Gateway, has officially been in progress for an entire year! Throughout the year there have been many changes both inside and outside of the terminal building, as the airport works to transform into a modern, accessible facility for the community.
While work is scheduled to continue on the West Terminal Expansion through spring of 2023, FWA recently announced exciting news on the next phase of Project Gateway. Through the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – Airport Terminals Program, FWA has been awarded a $13.8 million grant which will be used for the East Terminal Expansion project, slated to begin in March 2023.
FWA’s East Terminal Expansion will come on the heels of the current, ongoing West Terminal Expansion and Rehabilitation Project that broke ground in June 2021. Among the upgrades currently being worked on are: expanded airline ticketing areas, new baggage handling system, two brand new gates, new jet bridges, new children’s play area, new multi-sensory room, modernized front façade and interior, mother’s room and more. The East Expansion will move FWA’s focus to the East portion of the terminal building, not included in present construction.
The East Terminal Expansion Project will focus on the Eastern portion of the terminal building beginning at the upper concourse prior to Gate 5, and will include both airside and land-side expansion and enhancements. Among the items in the scope of work are: relocating all aircraft gates and passenger boarding bridges to the second floor, relocating and expanding the TSA security checkpoint, additional restrooms and mother’s rooms, additional service-animal relief area, expanded accessibility features, new meeter and greeter space, upgraded building systems, creation of a frequent flyer lounge and more. This project will also improve safety and operations by increasing aircraft taxiway separation from the terminal building.
FWA is one of only two Indiana airports to receive funding from the competitive Airport Terminals Program within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This is largely in part because of the efforts of Representative Jim Banks, Senator Mike Braun and Senator Todd Young, who have worked alongside Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority staff to secure funding. The Airport Authority thanks them for their continued support and partnership.
The East Terminal Expansion Project will be a continuation of Project Gateway, which has included the West Terminal Expansion and Rehabilitation Project, Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project, Rental Car Return Lot Canopy Expansion and Renewable Solar Energy Project, and the East and West Terminal Apron Improvement Project. More information and updates can be found at fwairport.com/business/airport-projects/project-gateway.
