What are those new exit doors at Wichita airport? Here’s what flyers should know

If you’ve traveled through Wichita’s airport lately, you likely noticed the new doors you must walk through to exit the secured terminal area.

The exit doors are one of two major passenger-facing improvements that Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is making as part of a year-long terminal renovations project.

The project should be completed by the end of the year, though it may be finished as soon as early fall, Air Service and Marketing Manager Rachel Mayberry told The Wichita Eagle.

“One of the most noticeable passenger-facing improvements is already taking shape,” the airport posted on Facebook earlier this year. “Our new exit doors are coming along quickly. These upgrades are designed with both safety and efficiency in mind, enhancing overall security while aligning with airport industry best practices.

“As progress continues, these improvements will help create a smoother, more secure experience for everyone traveling through our facility.”

The change was a necessary update “with the terminal being 10 years old,” officials said.

Mayberry said the doors, formally known as “anti-passback portals,” are automatic doors that prevent people from being able to turn around and head back into the ICT airport’s secured area.

She said that while the doors have been installed, they are not fully functional as of early July.

“We’re just waiting for the final IT component,” she said.

Wichita airport renovations

The Wichita airport renovations, which began in January, include ticketing counter extensions and modifications, technology upgrades and infrastructure enhancements. The goal is to “improve efficiency and maximize the use of existing space to create additional capacity for the future.”

“This renovation allows us to better utilize our existing ticketing space while also preparing for future growth,” Mayberry said in a news release. “Although we are working to limit any disruption, we continue to encourage passengers to arrive at the airport with enough time to feel comfortable before their flight.”

The construction is funded through state program funds alongside local and federal matching dollars. Most of the work is taking place in the evenings and behind the scenes.