More change is underway! Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) is continuing the momentum of Project Gateway with the beginning of the East Terminal Expansion project.
FWA, along with Clayco, a full-service, turnkey real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firm broke ground on the East Terminal Expansion project on June 15, 2023. While a lot of work has been quietly taking place behind the scenes over the last several months, public-facing construction began in the terminal building in late July, with construction walls being erected at the current Gates 1-4 area and the upper concourse.
The East Terminal Expansion project will include 35,000 square feet of renovated and expanded space as well as a number of improvements and changes including: relocating all airline gates and passenger boarding bridges to the second level, expansion of the TSA security checkpoint area, relocating the airport restaurant and creating a new frequent flyer lounge. Work will also encompass new and improved public areas, including additional restrooms, a new meeter and greeter space, expanded circulation areas and vertical transportation. Work will also be done to update the existing baggage claim and rental car areas. The project will be a continuation of FWA’s commitment to accessibility with the extension of the airport’s new cane trail, adding accessible counter spaces and more.
The Clayco team will demolish existing interior and structural components to expand the building outward and vertically over the first floor, in addition to expanding the footprint of the building to include a new East Concourse. Structural work will include selective demolition to add more space to the second floor and elevated clerestory roofs to the main terminal.
While work on the East Terminal Expansion project is limited to inside the terminal building, whereas the West Terminal project encapsulated both the interior and exterior of the airport, passengers will still experience elements of construction during their travels. Passengers can expect to see temporary construction walls as well as engineering tunnels while flying in and out of FWA.
The East Terminal Expansion project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025.
The East Terminal Expansion joins other Project Gateway projects that have been completed at the airport. These include the recently finished 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. Our hope with Project Gateway is to instill a sense of pride in northeast Indiana residents for their airport.
Learn more about Project Gateway and follow along with our progress at fwairport.com/project-gateway.
