ACRP
October 2026
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990. While airports have continued to meet the evolving requirements of the ADA, many have gone beyond regulatory compliance to make their facilities more accessible and inclusive for all travelers through guest experience programs, thoughtful facility design, and enhanced amenities.
ACRP Synthesis 144: Exceeding Legislated Accessibility Requirements in Airports, produced by TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, describes the programs and practices airports have implemented to enhance accessibility beyond legal and regulatory requirements. The report demonstrates how airports across the United States are exceeding ADA requirements by incorporating feedback from travelers, advisory committees, and employees to continually improve their facilities, amenities, and services. One of the synthesis' key findings is that everyone benefits when airport leadership, administrators, employees, and volunteers are committed to creating the best possible experience for all passengers.
