Airport Foundation recognized for service to passengers

The Airport Foundation MSP was recently honored with two prestigious awards for its friendly, passenger-focused assistance at MSP Airport.  

Spirit of Hospitality Award

Bloomington, Minnesota Travel and Tourism — the marketing organization of the city of Bloomington — presented its Spirit of Hospitality Award to the Airport Foundation last month, recognizing the foundation’s commitment to customer service, accessibility, community engagement and elevating the travel experience at MSP.  

The Foundation directly assists more than 2 million travelers each year at MSP Airport. In addition to staffing information booths, curating art displays and offering musical performances throughout the airport, the Foundation coordinates more than 550 volunteers who provide outreach and assistance to travelers — including the popular Animal Ambassador program.  

The Foundation also distributes sunflower-printed lanyards as part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which allows travelers with nonvisible disabilities to signal that they may need additional assistance from airport staff.  

Jim Wolford Community Impact Award

The Airport Foundation MSP’s leadership in accessibility also earned it Lifeworks’ Jim Wolford Community Impact Award this month.  

Lifeworks collaborates with employers and partners with people with disabilities to provide support and career opportunities. The MAC and MSP Airport have hired dozens of Lifeworks clients since 1995 and were also recognized by Lifeworks for setting a national standard for accessibility in air travel. The Airport Foundation deepened this commitment in 2025 by engaging Lifeworks to train airport staff and volunteers on fostering an inclusive culture.

“Accessibility is a cornerstone of the customer service we provide,” said MAC Assistant Director of Customer Experience Phil Burke, accepting the award alongside the Airport Foundation MSP at the 2025 Lifeworks Annual Celebration this month. “This award is a testament to the progress we’ve made, but our work is far from over. We’ll continue to build on these milestones, always striving for an airport experience where everyone has access, everyone can travel, and everyone belongs.”