Those that fly know that there is always hustle and bustle at an airport – checking in for flights, grabbing a bite to eat before boarding, running to make it to the gate in time. However, if you’ve flown through Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) anytime in the last several months (or years), the hustle and bustle is next level – complete with workers in hard hats and the sounds of jack hammers filling the air.
In June 2020, FWA began work on the long-anticipated terminal expansion project. This large project, part of FWA’s overall airport improvement efforts called Project Gateway, was broken into two phases – the West Terminal Expansion and Rehabilitation Project, and the East Terminal Expansion Project. The West Terminal Expansion began in 2020 and saw the completion of expanded Gates 9 and 10, new airline tickets counters, an expanded Children’s Play Area, new restrooms, a Sensory Room, a cane trail, a new universal changing table, updated Gates 5-8, new glass jet bridges and more. In June of 2023 the West Terminal Expansion wrapped up and the East Terminal Expansion Project began.
While much of the work for the East Terminal Expansion has, so far, taken place behind-the-scenes and through temporary walls and spaces, there is a lot going on that passengers should be excited for in the coming months! Contractors are hard at work preparing the space for the new airport Grand Hall – a grand atrium that will feature expanded seating, the relocation of the airport’s restaurant and coffee shop, a frequent flyer lounge and much more. In addition to those items, Gates 2, 3 and 4 are also being relocated to the second floor and will allow for a seamless terminal flow for passengers. The Grand Hall is expected to open in early winter 2025.
Coming sooner to FWA are two new additions. Hop River Brewing will take over the airport’s restaurant operations, while Bon Bon’s Coffee will be serving delicious, caffeinated drinks beginning this fall. Both businesses are local to Fort Wayne and the airport is thrilled to continue offering local options to passengers! Hop River and Bon Bon’s will be located on the second level in the brand-new restaurant area. Also debuting later this year is the airport’s first frequent flyer lounge. Information will be released later in the fall regarding how passengers can use this new space.
As a whole, the East Terminal Expansion project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025 – just one short year away!
Stay up to date with all things Fort Wayne International Airport on FWA’s social media channels, or by visiting fwairport.com. Thank you for choosing FWA!
