Fort Wayne International Airport Takes Precautions for COVID-19
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) is taking the necessary steps to make sure that Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) remains a safe and sterile environment for all arriving and outbound passengers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport will continue to remain open and operational during this crisis.
Effective Wednesday, March 25 – Monday, April 6, in compliance with the Governor issued stay-at-home order, the Airport Authority will have only essential personnel on site. This includes having only one individual on site to answer the Airport Authority phones at the front office. Office hours will be amended to 8:00am-4:30pm during the weekdays, closing between 11:30am-12:30pm over the lunch hour and also closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
“Our staff works diligently throughout the terminal building and airport campus to continuously provide a safe, clean, and sanitized terminal area for the traveling public,” said Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports. “With the Coronavirus pandemic, we understand the necessity to minimize travel to that which is absolutely required as we are certainly going through some interesting times.”
FWA is using a cleaning product that is an approved sanitizer against the human coronavirus to clean.
The product is a spray sanitizer meaning it is sprayed on, wiped across the entire surface and allowed to dwell as it air dries.
Staff is wiping down high touch points multiple times daily.
This includes door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, ticket counters, seating areas, restrooms, etc.
All work is being done by Airport Authority staff. The Authority has cross-trained other staff in different departments into the custodial department to assist with the additional workload.
Airline staff are also paying special attention to sanitizing their leased areas.
The Airport Authority is encouraging passengers to stay informed and contact their air carrier with specific questions about their flight via their websites, customer service departments, and social media.
“The residents of NE Indiana need to know that the employees of both Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport are working hard to make sure both airfields are ready for increased business activity as soon as we have this pandemic under control,” said Hinderman.
Due to COVID-19, further precautionary measures have been taken to protect both staff and the traveling public at FWA.
Valet Parking Services have been temporarily suspended and all paid parking lots have been transitioned to credit card only in efforts to decrease person-to-person contact.
The Airport’s Customer Service Agent (CSA) program has been suspended through April 12, 2020 to aide in the social distancing efforts. CSA services include the FWA Parking Lot Shuttle, as well as luggage and wheelchair assistance to and from the parking lots and within the terminal building.
FWA’s Hospitality Host Program, which are volunteers that hand out cookies and assist passengers with questions about NE Indiana, have been asked to stay home until this pandemic subsides. Prepackaged, individually wrapped cookies will be available for passengers via the Cookie Kiosk located near security exit.
The Hospitality PAWs therapy dog program has also been suspended until further notice in efforts to socially distance themselves.
Samuel Adam's Brewhouse is currently CARRY-OUT ONLY.
Seattle's Best Coffee is open and carry-out is still available.
Airport Authority Office will have limited hours of 8:30am-4:30pm (closed from 11:30am-12:30pm for the lunch hour).
FAQs
Q. Is it safe to fly?
A. The CDC recommends travel be limited to essential travel only right now. However, it is at the discretion of each passenger as to whether they continue with their scheduled travel plans. Our staff works diligently throughout the terminal building and airport campus to continuously provide a safe, clean, and sanitized terminal area for the traveling public.
Q. Is the airport still open/will it close?
A. Yes, as an essential infrastructure the FWA terminal is still open to the public and flights are operating. Additionally, the airfield is always open for cargo, corporate, commercial, and other flights that help keep the supply chain operating. The Airport Authority is currently operating with essential personnel on-site only.
Q. Will my flight be canceled?
A. As of right now cancellations are at the discretion of each individual airline. We are seeing some changes in frequency, as well as delays and cancellations. We encourage all passengers to check with their airline for any updates on their flight status (use the links above).
Q. What is being done to keep passengers safe during this time?
A. FWA staff has accelerated efforts to clean and disinfect the terminal building multiple times per day. Approved sanitizing cleaning product is being used, high touch areas are being wiped down multiple times per day, hand sanitizing stations can be found throughout the terminal, and TSA agents are encouraged to change gloves frequently.
Q. What can I do to keep myself and others healthy while traveling?
A. We recommend following the CDC guidelines for safe social distancing while in the terminal, whether you are checking in for your flight or waiting at the gate. We also encourage passengers to wash their hands frequently, make use of hand sanitizer, and cough or sneeze into their elbow. If you are sick, or believe you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, we ask that you stay home and make changes to your travel plans.
Q. I am still scheduled to travel but have decided to cancel my flight. How can I do this?
A. Airlines are currently offering a number of options to alleviate the stress of canceling travel. Passengers can contact their airline through their 1-800 number, or their website (link to airlines and destinations page). Airlines have also opened up the ability to reach them through their social media channels and are offering alternative means of cancelling flights due to the current demand.
Q. Can I take hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in my carry-on bag?
A. Yes – TSA will allow hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and pre-moistened hand wipes in your carry-on luggage. Hand sanitizer up to 12oz is allowed, while all other liquids must remain 3.4oz or less.
To stay up to date with the most current information at FWA, please follow Fort Wayne International Airport on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
