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The University of Illinois Willard Airport, also known as Willard Airport and Champaign–Urbana Airport, is located south of Savoy in Tolono Township, Champaign County, Illinois, United States. It is owned and operated by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was dedicated on 26 October 1945. Willard Airport has a history of notable incidents, including a January 1998 event where Air Force One became stuck in the mud, and several aircraft crashes. As of 2025, there were 12 jets based on the field, and the airport has seen a range of airlines service it over the years, including American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Vision Airlines, and United Airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jets allowed | Yes |
| Jet availability | 12 jets are based in the field |
| Jet services | American Eagle offers daily flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport |
| Jet incidents | Air Force One became stuck in the mud in 1998 |
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What You'll Learn
Willard Airport's history
The University of Illinois Willard Airport, also known as Willard Airport and Champaign–Urbana Airport, is located south of Savoy in Tolono Township, Champaign County, Illinois, United States. It is owned and operated by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was dedicated on 26 October 1945. The airport is named after former University of Illinois president Arthur Cutts Willard.
Airline flights began in 1954, and a terminal building was constructed in 1960. By 1969, Willard Airport had become the second-busiest airport in Illinois. However, following the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, many airlines found servicing small airports like Willard inefficient, leading to a decline in demand and airlines departing. Despite this setback, Willard Airport has continued to operate and contribute to the local economy. In 2016, it was found to have an annual economic impact of over $74 million and a daily impact of $204,000 within Champaign County. The airport also generated significant tax revenues, with a portion benefiting local schools.
Willard Airport has been the site of several notable incidents. On 9 September 1978, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo crashed near the airport due to engine failure, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board. On 12 November 1994, a Cessna 210 Centurion crashed shortly after takeoff in bad weather, killing the pilot and three passengers. On 17 May 1997, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk crashed after a touch-and-go landing. On 21 January 1998, Air Force One, carrying President Bill Clinton, became stuck in the mud due to a wide turn onto the taxiway. A backup aircraft had to be dispatched to transport the president.
Over the years, Willard Airport has experienced fluctuations in airline services. Delta Air Lines, Vision Airlines, and United Airlines have all ceased operations at the airport at various times. However, as of 2022, demand has recovered, and the airport is seeking to expand its routes to destinations like Washington, DC, Las Vegas, and Florida. The airport also plans to expand its passenger terminal and TSA facilities and upgrade its taxiway design to meet FAA standards.
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Airlines that service Willard Airport
The University of Illinois Willard Airport, also known as Willard Airport and Champaign–Urbana Airport, is located south of Savoy in Tolono Township, Champaign County, Illinois, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was dedicated on 26 October 1945.
Willard Airport has seen a number of airlines cease their services over the years, including Delta Air Lines, Vision Airlines, and United Airlines. However, as of January 2023, the airport has been working to expand its services and attract additional flights. American Eagle is one of the airlines that currently services Willard Airport, offering daily flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
In addition to American Eagle, there are other airlines that service Willard Airport, although specific details about these airlines and their routes were not readily available. The airport averaged 127 aircraft operations per day, or roughly 46,000 per year, as of 2021. The airport also has a range of facilities, including car rental agencies, parking lots, and a cafe offering pre-flight dining options.
While the exact list of airlines servicing Willard Airport is not available, travellers can utilize tools like Travelmath to find airlines flying to specific airports. By entering your destination, Travelmath can search across all airline codes and companies to find potential flight options. This can save time and provide a comprehensive view of the available airlines and routes.
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Incidents at Willard Airport
Willard Airport, also known as University of Illinois Willard Airport, has been the site of several aviation incidents over the years, some of which have gained notable media attention:
Air Force One Incident, 1998:
One of the most well-known incidents at Willard Airport occurred on January 21, 1998, when Air Force One, carrying President Bill Clinton, became stuck in the mud. The pilot attempted to enter the main taxiway from the ramp using a feeder taxiway with an unusually large angle. As a result, the right main gear veered off the taxiway and sank into the soft turf. A backup aircraft, SAM26000, was dispatched to transport the President from a speaking engagement at the University of Illinois' Assembly Hall.
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo Crash, 1978:
On September 9, 1978, a tragic accident occurred involving a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo aircraft near Willard Airport. The plane encountered engine failure, and the pilot was unable to maintain the minimum safe flying speed. Unfortunately, the plane stalled, spun, and crashed, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. The passengers were family members of a football player at Northwestern University and were departing after a game against the University of Illinois.
Cessna 210 Centurion Crash, 1994:
On November 12, 1994, a Cessna 210 Centurion aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Willard Airport at around 7 p.m. in unfavourable weather conditions. Unfortunately, the crash claimed the lives of the pilot and three passengers on board.
Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk Crash, 1997:
On May 17, 1997, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk aircraft crashed at Willard Airport after performing a touch-and-go landing. The specifics of this incident are not readily available.
Robinson R22 Crash, 2017:
On January 18, 2017, a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed while operating at Willard Airport (CMI). During an attempt at two auto rotations, the helicopter skidded across the runway and flipped over.
Airline Service Changes:
Over the years, Willard Airport has experienced fluctuations in airline service. Delta Air Lines discontinued service in 2010, followed by Vision Airlines in 2012 after a brief three-week service period. United Airlines also ceased operations in 2018. The airport saw a significant decrease in passenger traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in financial losses. However, demand has recovered, and efforts are being made to attract additional flights to destinations like Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and Florida.
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Jet specifications
The University of Illinois Willard Airport, also known as Willard Airport or Champaign–Urbana Airport, can accommodate jets. In fact, as of 2025, there were 12 jets based on the field.
Jets that can land at the airport include the Vision Jet, which offers the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and Safe Return emergency autoland. This system provides the ability to land the jet in an emergency with the touch of a button. The jet also features an Auto Radar system, which uses avionics to scan the area ahead and display a real-time depiction of the weather. The G2+ Vision Jet engine has been optimized for up to 20% increased performance.
The airport previously offered flights on 75-seat ERJs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. These aircraft are dual-cabin configured, offering First Class and Economy.
Other jet specifications that can service the airport include the Gulfstream 280, Eclipse 550, Citation X, Falcon 900, Gulfstream G650, and Lear 60. These jets cater to business and personal flights, offering speed, range, and efficiency.
The airport has also seen larger planes servicing Dallas-Fort Worth, and expanded service to Chicago O'Hare was announced for 2023.
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Willard Airport's economic impact
The University of Illinois Willard Airport, also known as Champaign–Urbana Airport, is a significant economic engine for Champaign County and the surrounding region. Covering 1,799 acres, the airport has three runways and five gates.
In 2019, Volaire Aviation Consulting developed a comprehensive Airport Economic Activity and Impact Study of the University of Illinois-Willard Airport. The study estimated the economic impact of all measurable and airport-dependent economic activity at the airport. It measured key areas of economic activity, including aviation education, the Fixed Base Operator (FBO), Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations, and all airport and air service support functions, including airport administration and security.
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation's 2016 Economic Impact Report, sponsored by various community organisations, found that the airport had a total annual economic impact of $74,325,994 and a daily impact of $204,000 within Champaign County. The report also found that the airport generated $10.2 million in annual tax receipts and $2.3 million in annual local taxes, with over $800,000 going to local schools. The 23,266 visitors to the area each year due to the airport's presence helped create 112.8 local jobs.
The airport has experienced fluctuations in traffic over the years, with a significant decline from 2005 to 2013. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the airport, with a 72% decrease in arrival and departure passengers during the first year, resulting in a loss of approximately $500,000. However, demand recovered by 2022, and the airport has been working to enhance the passenger experience and attract additional flights to destinations like Washington, DC, Las Vegas, and Florida.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, jets can land at Willard Airport. The airport is also known as University of Illinois Willard Airport and is located in Champaign County, Illinois.
As of 2025, there were 75 aircraft based at Willard Airport, including 56 single-engine and 4 multi-engine airplanes, 12 jets, and 3 helicopters.
American Eagle is the main airline servicing Willard Airport, with daily flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
No, by 1969, Willard was the second-busiest airport in the state of Illinois. However, after the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, many airlines found service to small airports inefficient, and demand for tickets from Willard fell.
Yes, on January 21, 1998, Air Force One became stuck in the mud while attempting to taxi at Willard Airport. A backup aircraft had to be dispatched to transport President Bill Clinton.
