Pensacola International Airport Hosts Wings for All® Mock Flight with Delta Air Lines and The Arc Gateway

Pensacola International Airport (PNS), in partnership with Delta Air Lines and The Arc Gateway, is proud to host a Wings for All® event on February 24, 2026—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 is 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.

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 Matt Coughlin, Executive Director of Pensacola International Airport. “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.

Event Details:
Location: Pensacola International Airport
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. 
Airline Partner: Delta Air Lines

About Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Pensacola International Airport serves as the gateway to Northwest Florida, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States. Committed to safety, accessibility, and exceptional customer service, PNS continues to invest in programs and partnerships that enhance the passenger experience and reflect the needs of its growing community. For more information on flights and services at Pensacola International Airport, visit www.flypensacola.com.

About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines serves more than 275 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and experiences around the world. Through programs like Wings for All®, Delta continues to lead the aviation industry in accessibility, innovation, and customer care. Delta is committed to creating travel experiences that are inclusive, empowering, and welcoming for all.

Wings for All events offer airport “rehearsals” to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families feel more confident about air travel. Participants check in, go through TSA screening, wait at the gate, and board an aircraft without taking off.

Learn more at delta.com.

About The Arc Gateway
The Arc Gateway is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful lives as valued members of our community. Through advocacy, education, and direct support services, The Arc Gateway works to remove barriers, create opportunities, and promote inclusion across every stage of life.

The mission of The Arc Gateway is to provide the best possible life experiences for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), supporting them in reaching their full potential and leading lives of dignity, purpose, and connection.

The Arc Gateway provides a wide range of services that support individuals and families from early childhood through adulthood. These services include early intervention supports, family education, community based programs, employment readiness, self advocacy initiatives, and inclusive recreational and life enrichment opportunities. Each program is designed to strengthen independence, build confidence, and support long term success while honoring the unique strengths of every individual served.

Learn more at arcgateway.org.