Richmond International Airport Launches Instant Interpretation Service

Key Takeaways

• RIC launched instant interpretation on May 23, 2025, supporting over 240 languages including ASL.
• The service is available at info desks, security, and gates, connecting travelers with live interpreters.
• RIC’s initiative enhances communication, reduces stress, and promotes equity and inclusion airport-wide.

Richmond International Airport Rolls Out Instant Interpretation: A New Era for Multilingual Travelers

On May 23, 2025, Richmond International Airport (RIC) took a major step to improve the travel experience for people who do not speak English or have limited English skills. By launching a new instant interpretation service in partnership with LanguageLine Solutions, RIC is making it much easier for travelers from all backgrounds to get help and information in their own language. This service is now available throughout the airport, helping both passengers and staff communicate clearly and confidently.

Let’s look at what this means for travelers, airport workers, and the wider community, and how this move fits into bigger trends in airport accessibility and customer service.

What Is the New Instant Interpretation Service?

Who?
Richmond International Airport, with support from the Capital Region Airport Commission, is working with LanguageLine Solutions, a well-known company that provides language interpretation services around the world.

What?
The airport now offers instant interpretation in more than 240 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). This means travelers can get help in their own language, whether they speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, or any other supported language.

When?
The service started on May 23, 2025, and was announced publicly on May 25, 2025.

Where?
You can use this service at all major points in the airport, including:
– Information desks
– Security checkpoints
– Boarding gates

Why?
RIC wants to make sure every traveler feels welcome and can get the help they need, no matter what language they speak. This is part of the airport’s larger goal to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How?
When a traveler needs help in a language other than English, an airport staff member can connect them with a live interpreter using a special device, like a tablet or phone. The interpreter joins the conversation by video or audio within seconds, making communication smooth and easy.

Why Is This Important?

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Simple things like finding your gate, asking about your flight, or going through security can become confusing or even scary. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who use sign language, these challenges can be even greater.

By offering instant interpretation, Richmond International Airport is removing these barriers. Now, travelers can:
– Ask questions and get answers in their own language
– Understand important safety and travel information
– Feel more confident and less anxious during their journey

For airport staff, this service means they can help everyone, not just English speakers. This can lead to fewer misunderstandings, faster service, and happier passengers.

How Does the Service Work? Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how travelers and staff use the instant interpretation service at Richmond International Airport:

1. Identify the Need:
   If a traveler needs help in a language other than English, they approach an airport staff member at a key location (like the information desk or security checkpoint).

2. Request the Service:
   The staff member uses a special device—usually a tablet or phone—to connect with LanguageLine Solutions.

3. Connect to an Interpreter:
   Within seconds, a live interpreter joins the conversation. This can be through video (for sign language or when seeing facial expressions helps) or audio (for spoken languages).

4. Have the Conversation:
   The interpreter helps the traveler and staff member talk to each other, making sure both sides understand clearly.

5. Finish Up:
   Once the traveler’s questions are answered or their needs are met, the session ends. The device is ready for the next person who needs help.

This process is quick, private, and secure. It helps everyone communicate better, even in stressful or time-sensitive situations.

Who Benefits from Instant Interpretation?

Travelers

• Non-English Speakers:
  People who speak little or no English can now get help without feeling lost or embarrassed. They can ask about flights, directions, or airport services in their own language.
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing Travelers:
  The service includes American Sign Language (ASL) video interpretation, making the airport more accessible for people who use sign language.
• Families and Groups:
  Families traveling together, especially with children or elderly relatives, can get clear information and support in their preferred language.

Airport Staff

• Better Communication:
  Staff can help all travelers, not just those who speak English. This reduces stress for both staff and passengers.
• Fewer Delays:
  Quick, clear communication means fewer misunderstandings and faster service at busy spots like security or boarding gates.
• Increased Confidence:
  Staff feel more prepared to handle any situation, knowing they can call for language help at any time.

Community and Business Stakeholders

• Community Organizations:
  Groups that support immigrants and refugees will see this as a positive step toward fairness and inclusion.
• Airlines and Shops:
  Happier, less stressed travelers are more likely to shop, eat, and enjoy their time at the airport, which can boost business for airlines and concessionaires.

Why Did Richmond International Airport Make This Change?

Richmond International Airport has a history of working to make travel easier and more welcoming for everyone. In 2019, the airport served a record 4.38 million passengers, and as of 2025, passenger numbers are getting close to those pre-pandemic levels. With more people from different countries and backgrounds using the airport, the need for language support has grown.

The airport’s leadership, including President & CEO Perry J. Miller, has made it clear that diversity and inclusion are top priorities. By adding instant interpretation, RIC is showing it values every traveler and wants to set a high standard for customer service.

This move also follows a larger trend in airports across the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world. As more people travel internationally, airports are using new technology to help everyone feel welcome and safe.

How Does LanguageLine Solutions Work?

LanguageLine Solutions is a global company that provides on-demand interpretation services. They have thousands of trained interpreters who can help with more than 240 languages. The interpreters are available 24/7 and can join conversations by phone or video.

At Richmond International Airport, staff use special devices to connect with LanguageLine interpreters. The service is designed to be:
– Fast: Interpreters join within seconds.
– Private: Conversations are secure and confidential.
– Accurate: Interpreters are trained to handle travel and safety topics.

For more information about LanguageLine Solutions and their services, you can visit their official website.

Legal and Policy Background

Airports and other public places in the United States 🇺🇸 must follow federal laws that protect people from discrimination based on language or disability. For example, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act says that people cannot be denied services because of their language. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires public places to provide equal access for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

By offering instant interpretation, Richmond International Airport is not only following these laws but going beyond the minimum requirements. This helps the airport avoid legal problems and shows a real commitment to fairness and accessibility.

For more details on federal requirements for language access in transportation, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Civil Rights page.

What Are the Practical Effects?

For Travelers

• Less Stress:
  Travelers can get help quickly, even if they don’t speak English.
• More Confidence:
  People feel safer and more comfortable when they can communicate in their own language.
• Better Experience:
  Clear communication means fewer mistakes, missed flights, or lost luggage.

For Airport Operations

• Smoother Flow:
  Staff can solve problems faster, keeping lines moving and reducing delays.
• Higher Satisfaction:
  Happy travelers are more likely to rate the airport highly and recommend it to others.
• Positive Reputation:
  The airport is seen as a leader in customer service and accessibility.

For the Community

• Welcoming Image:
  The airport sends a message that everyone is welcome in Richmond, no matter where they come from or what language they speak.
• Support for Diversity:
  The service helps immigrants, refugees, and international visitors feel at home.

How Does This Compare to Other Airports?

Many large airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 have started offering similar interpretation services, but Richmond International Airport’s program stands out for a few reasons:
– Wide Language Support:
With over 240 languages, including ASL, the service covers almost every traveler’s needs.
– Full Coverage:
Interpretation is available at all major points in the airport, not just at one or two locations.
– Instant Access:
Travelers do not have to wait or schedule an interpreter in advance.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airports that invest in language access see improvements in passenger satisfaction and fewer complaints about communication problems. This can also help airports win awards and attract more international flights.

What’s Next for Richmond International Airport?

While there are no official announcements about expanding the service, the airport’s leaders have said they are always looking for ways to improve. As more people travel and as the community in Richmond becomes even more diverse, the need for language support will likely grow.

The airport’s master plan includes ongoing updates to technology and services. Instant interpretation may be just the first step in a series of changes to make RIC even more accessible and welcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost for travelers to use the instant interpretation service?
No, the service is free for all travelers at Richmond International Airport.

What if I need help in a rare language?
With over 240 languages supported, it’s very likely your language is included. Staff can check the full list if you’re unsure.

Can I use the service for sign language?
Yes, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available through video.

Where can I find more information about Richmond International Airport’s services?
Visit the official airport website for details on all passenger services, accessibility, and contact information.

Contact Information

If you have questions or need help at the airport, you can contact:

• Richmond International Airport (RIC)
  • Address: 1 Richard E. Byrd Terminal Drive, Richmond, VA 23250-2400
  • General Information: (804) 226-3000
  • Website: flyrichmond.com

For more about the interpretation technology and services, visit LanguageLine Solutions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Richmond International Airport’s new instant interpretation service is a big win for travelers, staff, and the wider community. By working with LanguageLine Solutions, the airport is making sure that everyone—no matter what language they speak or if they use sign language—can get the help they need quickly and easily.

This move shows a strong commitment to fairness, customer service, and innovation. As more airports follow RIC’s example, the future of travel looks brighter and more welcoming for people from all over the world.

If you’re planning to travel through Richmond International Airport, remember that help is always available in your language. Just ask any staff member, and they’ll connect you to an interpreter right away. This is one more way RIC is making travel better for everyone.

Learn Today

Instant Interpretation → Real-time language translation service allowing immediate communication between speakers of different languages.
American Sign Language (ASL) → A visual language using hand signs, used primarily by deaf or hard-of-hearing communities.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act → A U.S. law prohibiting discrimination based on language in federally funded programs.
LanguageLine Solutions → A global company providing on-demand phone and video language interpretation services worldwide.
Accessibility → Providing equal access and communication opportunities for people with disabilities or language barriers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Richmond International Airport now offers instant interpretation in 240+ languages, including ASL, easing travel stress and boosting accessibility for diverse passengers and staff since May 23, 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com