Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Expands Accessibility with ASL Interpretation App

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Free Aira ASL app now available for deaf and hard of hearing travelers

Oakland, Calif. – September 18, 2025: Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) today announced the launch of a new accessibility initiative in partnership with Aira, offering free, on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for deaf and hard of hearing travelers. This new service complements OAK’s existing partnership with Aira to support blind and low-vision travelers, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to inclusive and accessible travel for all.

The Aira ASL app connects travelers with certified ASL interpreters via secure, live video calls directly from their smartphones. This allows for real-time communication support during check-in, security screening, boarding, and other key moments throughout the airport journey. The service is available at no cost to travelers while at OAK and requires no advance reservation.

“Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport is proud to expand our accessibility offerings with the Aira ASL app,” said Craig Simon, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “This new service ensures that deaf and hard of hearing travelers can navigate our airport with greater confidence and independence. It builds on our existing Aira visual interpretation program for blind and low-vision travelers and reflects our ongoing commitment to making OAK a welcoming place for everyone.”

OAK travelers can download the Aira ASL app for iOS or Android and begin using it immediately upon arrival. The app provides seamless access to live ASL interpreters who can assist with a wide range of communication needs throughout the airport.

In October 2024, OAK became one of the first airports in the region to offer free access to the Aira visual interpretation app for blind and low-vision travelers. That service remains available 24/7, 365 days a year, and allows users to connect with professional visual interpreters who can describe surroundings, read signage, and assist with navigation.

To learn more about the accessibility services OAK offers, visit: https://www.iflyoak.com/accessibility/  

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Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)

Oakland Airport (OAK) is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all of the region’s business, entertainment and tourism venues. The vision of OAK is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.

Updates about current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.iflyoak.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.