Fort Wayne International Airport

Welcome to Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), which has repeatedly been named the "friendliest airport in the country" by USA Today. This cosy and efficient airport, located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the USA, is an excellent starting point for your travels. Despite its compact size, FWA offers direct flights to over a dozen popular domestic destinations. Passengers appreciate it for its short queues, welcoming atmosphere, and unique touches such as free cookies for arriving guests, making the beginning and end of a journey particularly pleasant.

The main advantage of Fort Wayne Airport is its exceptional level of service and care for passengers. Travellers are greeted here not only by friendly staff but also by pleasant bonuses, such as complimentary luggage assistance at the entrance and shuttles to the parking lots. The airport prides itself on its efficiency: you will not encounter long waits at check-in or security control here. For a comfortable stay within the terminal, free Wi-Fi is provided, as well as several cafes and a souvenir shop.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs and families with children. There is a sensory room for guests with heightened sensitivity, a play area for young passengers, mother and child rooms, as well as pet relief areas. Recent modernization has made the terminal interiors bright and contemporary, adding to the positive experience of your stay. All this makes FWA one of the most convenient and hospitable regional airports in the USA.

Below you will find the main contact information for Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), which will help you plan your trip and navigate the location.

• Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations on the airport's official website — fwairport.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries and consultations, you can call +1 (260) 747-4146.
• Airport Address: 3801 W Ferguson Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809, USA.
• Email: A direct email address for general questions is not published; however, a contact form for communicating with the administration is available on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the Lost and Found service, managed by the airport police department, at +1 (260) 446-3440. For issues regarding lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions, you can contact the main airport phone number. To resolve issues related to tickets, bookings, and flight schedules, please contact your airline's customer support.

Getting to Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), located approximately 14 kilometres southwest of the city centre of Fort Wayne, is quite simple, although public transport options are limited. The main methods are by car, taxi, or pre-booked transfer. A drive from the city centre usually takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi, Ride-sharing, and Transfers. The most convenient and popular way to get to the airport is to use taxi services or ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft. Cars are available around the clock. The cost of a trip from the city centre will be moderate but may vary depending on demand and time of day. You can also pre-book a private transfer (shuttle), which can be beneficial for groups and guarantees a fixed price.

Personal or Rental Car. Travelling by personal or rental car is an excellent option, providing maximum flexibility for travelling around this region of the USA. The airport is conveniently located near major highways. FWA Airport offers various parking options: Short-Term, located closest to the terminal, Long-Term, and an Economy Lot with lower daily rates. A free shuttle runs from the economy parking to the terminal.

Public Transport. It is important to note that currently, there are no direct public transport routes, such as Citilink city buses, to Fort Wayne Airport. Travellers relying on a bus would need to take a taxi from the nearest bus stop, making this option less practical. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your trip to the airport by taxi or car in advance.

Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) is distinguished by a compact and well-thought-out structure, making it extremely convenient for travellers. The airport operates one main passenger terminal that serves all commercial flights. Thanks to this, navigating here is very easy, and the risk of getting lost is minimal.

The terminal has a simple two-level layout. The Ground Floor (Level 1) is the arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, car rental counters, and access to ground transportation, including taxis and shuttles. The Second Floor is entirely dedicated to departures. It houses airline check-in counters, the security checkpoint (TSA), and access to the boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings. After passing security control, passengers enter a single concourse where all boarding gates are located. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers all necessary amenities: small cafes, a souvenir shop, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable waiting areas. One of the pleasant features of the airport in Fort Wayne is the "Hospitality Hosts" volunteers, who are always ready to help passengers with navigation and answer any questions.

Check-in and screening procedures at FWA generally proceed significantly faster than at major airports in the USA. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight to check in luggage and pass control without rushing. Navigation is intuitively clear thanks to distinct signs, and short distances allow you to quickly get from the terminal entrance to the required gate.

The history of Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) begins during the years of World War II. The airport opened in 1941 under the name Baer Field in honour of Paul Baer, a World War I ace originally from Fort Wayne. Initially, it was established as a military airbase for the USA Army Air Forces and played a key role in training pilots and crews; over 100,000 service members passed through it.

After the war ended, in 1946, the facility was transferred to the city and began its transformation into a civilian airport. In the 1950s, the first passenger terminal was built, marking a new stage in the development of air travel in the region. The airport gradually expanded, adding new flights and improving infrastructure to serve the growing number of passengers.

A significant event occurred in 1991, when the airport received international status and was renamed Fort Wayne International Airport. This became possible after the opening of a US Customs service on its territory. In the mid-1990s, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out under the "Gateway" project, which radically changed the appearance of the terminal, making it more modern and convenient.

In recent years, the airport continues to actively modernize. The latest stage of development, which began in the 2020s, includes significant terminal expansion, the addition of new boarding gates, updated waiting areas, and improved baggage handling systems. These changes are aimed at increasing passenger comfort and the throughput capacity of the air harbour.

Interesting fact: the airport has preserved its military history. The 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard is still based on its territory. And the name Baer Field is still used to designate the part of the airport serving general and corporate aviation, paying tribute to its rich past.

Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is designed so that your journey begins or ends as pleasantly as possible. Here you will find a cosy and calm atmosphere, distinguishing it from large and noisy aviation hubs.

Cafes and restaurants are located within the terminal, where you can have a full lunch or a quick snack before departure. There are also shops where you can buy souvenirs, press, and travel goods. For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will allow you not to worry about the battery level of your smartphone or laptop.

For passengers who value extra comfort, the airport may offer enhanced waiting areas. Financial services are represented by ATMs located in key zones of the terminal. Travellers with children will find the specially equipped mother and child rooms useful, where they can take care of their little ones in a quiet environment. The airport is also fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, offering ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport offering convenient accommodation. For business travellers, business centre services or conference rooms may be available, allowing for effective use of time while waiting for a flight. In case first aid is needed, appropriate services are provided at the airport.

Despite its compact size, Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. The main dining establishments are located in the "airside" zone, that is, after passing security control, allowing you to eat peacefully while waiting for your flight.

The main place for a full meal is the Hospitality Grille restaurant. Here, travellers can order classic American dishes: burgers, sandwiches, salads, as well as hot breakfasts for morning flights. This is an excellent place to have a leisurely lunch or dinner before departure. The venue offers a selection of beverages, including local products, allowing you to experience the region's offerings.

If you are short on time, head to the Gift Shop & Newsstand (operated by Paradies Lagardère) for quick and convenient options. Here you can pick up freshly brewed coffee, pastries, ready-made sandwiches, and light snacks. This is the ideal choice for a quick bite right before boarding the plane.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options, such as salads or meat-free dishes, can usually be found on the Hospitality Grille menu. For precise information on gluten-free or vegan dishes, it is recommended to ask the staff directly. Prices at the airport can be described as moderate, typical for most airports in the USA. The main establishments open early in the morning to serve passengers on the first flights and operate until the last plane departs in the evening. For round-the-clock access to drinks and snacks, vending machines are also installed in the terminal building.

Travelling through Fort Wayne International Airport can be simple and convenient if you prepare in advance. To avoid unnecessary stress, follow these useful tips. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, allow more time — it is better to arrive 2-3 hours before departure. During holiday periods and morning rush hours, passenger traffic increases, so it is worth adding another 30-40 minutes to this time.

To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The airport in the city of Fort Wayne operates the TSA PreCheck programme, which allows for expedited screening without the need to remove shoes, outerwear, or take laptops out of bags. Ensure your passport and boarding pass are close at hand.

Carry-on luggage rules in the USA are standard. Liquids, gels, and aerosols can be transported in containers of no more than 100 ml. All of them must be packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous materials on board. Always check the current requirements on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website and your airline's website, as there may be additional restrictions on the weight and size of carry-on luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. An aisle seat is convenient if you plan to get up often, while a window seat offers beautiful views and the opportunity to lean against the wall while sleeping. Seats at the emergency exit offer more legroom but also impose certain responsibilities. If you have a connecting flight, Fort Wayne International Airport is compact enough to make transit quick and convenient. Carefully study the transfer time and clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Passengers arriving from other countries must pass through customs and passport control. Fill out the customs declaration in advance, which is usually distributed on the plane. Be prepared to answer the officer's questions about the purpose of your trip and honestly declare all goods you are bringing in. Members of the Global Entry programme can significantly speed up this process by using special kiosks.

There are several ways to save money at the airport. Book parking online in advance — this is often cheaper. Instead of buying water, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. You can also bring non-liquid snacks to avoid spending money on expensive food. Free Wi-Fi at the airport will help you stay connected.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. Follow updates on information boards and in the carrier's mobile app. Depending on the reason and duration of the delay, you may be offered vouchers for meals, hotel accommodation, or rebooking on another flight. Clarify your rights as a passenger — this information is usually available on the airline's website.