MILWAUKEE (April 27, 2026) – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is now offering a new American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting service. Aira ASL allows travelers to connect on-demand with a professional ASL interpreter to bridge communication gaps between the Deaf and hearing.
“At MKE, we’re always on the lookout for the latest technology to make travel more accessible and welcoming for everyone. This addition ensures that all our travelers have the support they need for a smooth and enjoyable experience,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “Free services like Aira ASL are just another reason for Milwaukee travelers of all abilities to fly from our hometown Airport.”
MKE is the first location in the state of Wisconsin to offer free access to this service. Users simply download the Aira ASL app to connect with a professional interpreter. Using the video and microphone capabilities of the caller’s mobile device, the Aira ASL app allows Deaf and hearing people to communicate with each other.
Aira ASL can be used across a vast range of situations at MKE, from baggage check to getting information about flight status to ordering food in the terminal. The service can also be used on the aircraft before take-off to get real-time interpreting about emergency instructions or pre-flight announcements.
The service is free to use on MKE Airport property, and calls can be made by both Deaf and hearing individuals to enhance communication. Aira ASL is available 24/7/365, and no reservations are required. By adding Aira ASL access, MKE is expanding a longtime partnership with Aira. In 2018, MKE became the first airport in Wisconsin or Illinois to offer free use of Aira Explorer, an app that connects people who are blind or have low vision to trained visual interpreters. By now offering both of Aira’s services, MKE is ensuring on-demand visual and communication assistance for anyone travelling through the airport.
“Being able to communicate efficiently and independently while travelling makes a huge difference,” said Henri Grau, Director of Deaf Community Engagement at Aira. “Aira ASL is the perfect tool for this because it is on-demand and available whenever a communication barrier presents itself. We are proud to grow our partnership with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport as they expand the ways travelers can get the information they need.”
Download Aira ASL for free in the iOS App Store, the Google Play Store, or use the desktop app.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers nonstop flights to 30+ destinations coast-to-coast, and more than 200 international destinations are available with one easy connection. MKE is served by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.
MKE is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.
About Aira
At Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low vision community, and the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app and be instantly connected to a highly-trained professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira is proud to be the leader in remote video interpreting and in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that open doors to new opportunities for all. Learn more about Aira Access here.
