Pensacola International Airport (PNS), in partnership with Delta Air Lines and The Arc Gateway, hosted a Wings for All® event on February 24th – a mock flight experience designed to help children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, become more comfortable with air travel.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Pensacola International Airport, Delta Air Lines, The Arc Gateway, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), OHM Concessions Group, and the City of Pensacola, all working together to create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive experience for participating families.
“Our Wings for All event last week was a tremendous success exposing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the airport travel process,” said Matt Coughlin, Pensacola International Airport’s Airport Director. “Special thanks to the ARC Gateway, Delta Air Lines, TSA and OHM Concessions.”
Wings for All allows families to experience the full airport journey in a structured, low-stress environment, including ticketing, TSA security screening, boarding, and time onboard an aircraft—without the pressures of an actual flight. For many families, the experience represents a meaningful first step toward making air travel a realistic and positive option.
The Wings for All® program was created by Delta Air Lines as part of the airline’s long-standing commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Since its inception, the program has supported thousands of individuals nationwide by helping reduce anxiety, build familiarity, and empower travelers of all abilities.
Community leaders and partners emphasize the importance of creating travel experiences that feel welcoming from the very start.
“I’m proud that we can be part of the team that is making the Wings for All® experience possible,” said Mayor D.C. Reeves. “Traveling is an exciting—and sometimes intimidating—experience for every family. Anything we can do to make it a little bit easier for all families to feel at home at our airport when they start their journey is an easy thing to say yes to.”
For Pensacola International Airport, the event reflects a broader commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community partnership.
“Air travel should be accessible to everyone,” said Coughlin. “Wings for All is incredibly impactful because it replaces fear of the unknown with confidence and excitement. We are honored to host this event and to partner with Delta, The Arc Gateway, and our local collaborators to ensure families feel supported, understood, and welcome at PNS.”
That sense of confidence-building is at the heart of The Arc Gateway’s mission.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of such a unique experience for people with disabilities in our community,” said Missy Rogers, CEO of The Arc Gateway. “Allowing them to participate in real-world ventures in a safe environment minimizes the possibility of complications when the time comes for future air travel. We are incredibly grateful to our partners—especially Delta Air Lines and Pensacola International Airport—for bringing this to fruition.”
Support from airport partners further enhances the experience, helping create a welcoming environment throughout the terminal.
“OHM Concessions Group is proud to support Pensacola International Airport’s Wings for All event in partnership with The Arc Gateway,” said Amanda Carrubba, Director of Operations for OHM. “We are honored to play a small part in creating an inclusive, welcoming experience for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Opportunities like this allow young travelers to explore the airport environment in a safe, encouraging way—building confidence, reducing stress, and opening doors for future travel. We are grateful to be involved in an event that makes such a meaningful, lasting impact on our community.”
Pensacola International Airport is committed to creating an inclusive travel experience for all passengers. PNS proudly participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a global initiative that allows travelers with non-visible disabilities to discreetly indicate they may need additional time, patience, or assistance while traveling. Airport staff receive ongoing training to ensure every traveler is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
