EISENHOWER NATIONAL AIRPORT (ICT) INFORMATION

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (FAA LID, IATA: ICT, ICAO: KICT), also known as Dwight Eisenhower National Airport, is a commercial airport located 11 kilometers on the west side of downtown Wichita in Kansas, United States. It is known to be the largest and busiest airport in Kansas. It also covers 3 248 acres or 1,314 hectares of land with an elevation of 1,333 feet (Above Mean Sea Level).

Dwight Eisenhower National Airport is owned by the city of Wichita and operated by Wichita Airport Authority. It serves South Central Kansas, primarily the city of Wichita and Hutchinson.

The Wichita Airport was named after Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States of America, serving an 8-year term from 1953 to 1961.

The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport was formerly known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, but it was renamed on November 13, 2014.

On June 3, 2015, the new terminal was opened. It was then served by six major airline companies such as Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with 14 non-stop flights in Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Destin, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Florida.

In 2019, for the third consecutive year, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport set a new passenger record due to the administration’s mandate to decrease airfares and increase quality service.

In 2020, the airport was voted as the 3rd Best Small Airport in USA Today’s National Readers Choice poll for a high percentage of departures and passenger approval ratings on most of its facilities, such as the parking lots, security, cleanliness, car rentals, and concessions.

In 2021, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics recorded 628,690 passenger enplanements from Eisenhower National Airport.

Currently, the airport is a hub of the Cessna headquarters and its central manufacturing plants, together with the Bombardier service center for Learjet and other private jet aircraft.

History of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

In 1924, the largest airport in Wichita had three major terminals situated on the city's southwest side. In October of the same year, Wichita City hosted more than a hundred thousand people for the National Air Congress. The said event allowed the city to raise funds for establishing the proposed Wichita Municipal Airport.

It was a successful event that eventually led to the ground-breaking ceremonies of the airport, held on June 28, 1929. Wichita Municipal Airport was then about 10 kilometers southeast of the older Wichita city limits.

In August 1941, the time of World War II, the Kansas National Guard of the 127th Observation Squadron was the first military unit assigned to the Wichita Airport.

In the summer of 1950, Wichita Municipal Airport became the permanent military base of the United States Air Force in the course of producing the first B-47 Stratojets.

Public hearings began as the city considered locating an Air Force base near the Wichita Boeing facilities, and the town was then awarded $9.4 million to build a new landing strip for its use.

On May 31, 1951, the United States Air Force took over the airport's operations. Civil and military flights shared the landing field until the establishment of the new airport.

In October 1954, the new city airport was completed. The Wichita Municipal Airport was renamed Wichita Air Force Base and changed again to its current name McConnell Air Force Base.

In April 1957, the Official Airline Guide showed 11 week day departures on Braniff International Airways, 10 Trans World Airlines, 4 Continental, 3 Central, and 2 Ozark.

In 1964, Trans World Airlines had the first scheduled aircraft flights.

In 1976, two concourse levels were attached to the airport’s terminal building with ten gates.

In 1980, the City of Wichita acquired the original airport terminal. In the late months of the same year, several volunteers brought wheelbarrows and shovels and started cleaning the area.

In 1985, the city allowed the renovation of the old airport terminal; ticketing facilities were refurbished, and two gates were added.

In 1989, the renovation of the terminal was in full completion.

Since 1991, the landing field has hosted the Bombardier Aerospace Flight Test Center.

On April 19, 1991, the Kansas Aviation Museum opened to showcase Kansas’ aviation history.

Since 1991 the airfield has also hosted the Bombardier Aerospace Flight Test Centre

On September 13, 2012, ground-breaking ceremonies were held to construct a new terminal building.

The construction of the new terminal building started on October 9, 2012.

On March 4, 2014, the Wichita City Council approved the renaming of Wichita Mid-Continent Airport to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in honor of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was also a native of Kansas.

The old terminal had two concourses on the east and west sides of the facility, each with six gates. It was then closed for good on the night of June 2, 2015, and was demolished.

On June 3, 2015, the new terminal opened and became fully operational. The new airport is located west of the previous terminal. It is a two-story building measuring 272,000 square feet designed by Howard, Needles, Tammen, and Bergendoff Corporation (HNTB Corp.).

Wichita’s prominent position inspires the new terminal’s modern architectural design in the aviation industry. Together with HNTB are contractors like American Multinational Engineering Firm and Key/Walbridge Joint Venture, serving as the main contractor.

Aviation-themed exhibits can be seen inside the terminal as part of its design.

Transfer Services at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Dwight Eisenhower National Airport offers several transportation options for inbound and outbound passengers.

Car Rentals, Taxis, Limousines, Rideshares, and Shuttles are available for transport services at the ground transportation center of the airport.

Bus transfers are not available at the ground transportation area of the airport. However, they are accessible outside the airport premises.

Wichita does not have an operational railway; therefore, train transfer is not accessible in the metro.

It is recommended for travelers to check what is allowed in their hand-carry baggage and what items to bring in their check-in baggage. They should also secure their personal belongings before aircraft embarkation and disembarkation.

Rental Car Services at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Car rental booths are available outside the baggage claim area of Dwight Eisenhower National Airport. Rental cars are also parked outside of the building.

Walk-up renters are advised to follow the airport signs on the right side of the Car Rental Return leading to the Arrivals or Baggage claim area.

Renters must present their driver's license to the car rental agency, and they will be given a printed form to complete the transaction.

Renters must be at least 21 years old and up. However, renters ages 25 and below may pay additional charges. See and compare all rental car companies at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Rental fees may vary depending on the chosen vehicle and car rental agency.

Ride Shares at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Rideshare vehicles are available for picking up and dropping off passengers at the ground transportation center of Dwight Eisenhower National Airport.

The famous rideshare companies that serve Wichita City are Lyft and Uber.

However, it would be convenient for passengers to book their rideshare vehicle ahead of time by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone.

Passengers are also advised to book the correct vehicle size based on their luggage.

Note that rideshare rates may vary depending upon the passenger’s chosen vehicle and point of destination.

Taxis at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Taxi cabs are one of the primary transfer services at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

They are available at the ground transportation center of the terminal.

Downtown Wichita is just 7 miles from the airport and reachable within 10 minutes via the East of the US-400 route or the East of US-54 route.

The estimated cab fare from Dwight Eisenhower Airport to downtown Wichita ranges from $20.00 to $30.00. See more information about taxis at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Note that cab fares may vary depending on the city's traffic condition.

Buses at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Buses are not available at the ground transportation center of the airport. However, the nearest bus stop outside the airport premises is just one mile or a 5-minute drive via Eisenhower Airport Parkway.

The standard bus fare in the city is $1.75. More information about buses to and from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Trains at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Train transfer is not accessible in the city of Wichita. More information about train services near Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Hotel and Non-Hotel Shuttles are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation center of the airport terminal.

Passengers with hotel reservations may contact their accommodations for shuttle transfers to and from the airport.

Non-hotel shuttles also serve passengers of Dwight Eisenhower National Airport.

Shuttle rates may vary depending upon the passenger’s transaction with the service provider.

Parking at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport provides travelers with safe and convenient parking lots.

The facility offers four parking options: the Garage, the Park and Ride, the Economy Lot, and the Short-Term Lot. See more information about short and long term parking at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

The parking rate is $3.00 per hour and $8.00 per day.

Other Services at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Wi-Fi at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

The airport offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the airport terminal.

ATMs at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Automatic Teller Machines are available in the pre-security area and one in the post-security area near the food hall.

Currency Exchange at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

There are no available currency exchange counters in the airport terminal.

Nursing Stations at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

The airport does not have breastfeeding rooms dedicated to nursing mothers; however, the facility has five family rooms on the concourse's main level.

Restrooms at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Restrooms are located on the airport terminal's primary and second levels.

Food and Beverages at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Dwight Eisenhower Airport offers several food hub options for travelers. They are all located on the second level of the main terminal building.

Most restaurants open at 4:00 AM and close until the last flight departs.

Smoking at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Smoking inside the airport terminal is strictly prohibited. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the terminal.

Lost and Found Section at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Lost items in the airport are taken to the Lost and Found section/ Information desk of the Airport located on the ground level of the terminal.

For further assistance on the lost item, you may contact the airport’s lost and found facility at +1 316 946 4740 or approach any airport representative.

Missing items while in flight or onboard the aircraft are kept by your respective airline. For assistance, please contact your airline company.

Airport Communication Center at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

For information, direction and assistance, guests may directly approach the information desk on the ground level of the main terminal near the entrance and exit doors.

Pet Relief at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

There are two designated pet/service relief areas in the Dwight Eisenhower National Airport.

A pet relief area is located on the first floor, outside the terminal and the other one is on the second level, located explicitly across Gate 1.

Baggage Claim at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

The Baggage Claim Area is located on the ground level of the terminal across from the Hotel Information Desk.

Smart Carts are available on the west side of the baggage carousels for $5.00 per cart.

Disabled Passengers at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

The airport provides accessible facilities for persons with disabilities and special needs.

Also, the Transportation Security Administration launched “TSA Cares,” a helpline service for disabled passengers to assist their medical needs before arriving at the airport. Travelers may contact TSA Cares toll-free at +1 855 787 2227.

There are also designated parking areas for disabled persons. It is located closest to the terminal building.

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport Contacts

Address: 2277 Eisenhower Airport Parkway, Wichita, Kansas 67209, United States
General Phone: +1 316 946-4700
Email: airportwebmaster@wichita.gov
Lost and Found Phone: +1 316 946 4740
Official Website: https://www.flywichita.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz
Plug: A, B
Currency: U.S. Dollar. US$, USD, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: Free internet access is available inside the terminal.