Eau Claire's Airport: What You Need To Know

Yes, Eau Claire has an airport. The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (IATA: EAU, ICAO: KEAU, FAA LID: EAU) is a public airport in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States. The airport is owned by Eau Claire County and is located 3.5 miles north of the central business district of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport

The history of the airport dates back to 1923 when 80 acres of land in Putnam Heights were purchased to build an airport. In 1929, Eau Claire Airways was established at the airport, offering training and scheduled taxi services to Wisconsin and Minnesota. The current site of the Eau Claire County Airport began operations in 1940, and the Eau Claire Municipal Airport opened in 1945. Chippewa Valley Regional Airport was officially inaugurated in 1947 with the arrival of a Northwest Airlines DC-3. At that time, Eau Claire had three operational airports.

The airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions over the years. A terminal addition was completed in 1981, and another terminal remodelling and expansion were finished in 2009. In 2005, a new $3.9 million, 65-foot control tower was constructed and opened in November 2006. Passenger loading was improved with the installation of a jet bridge in 2011. The Airport Commission Room was renamed the Duax Commission Room in 2015 to honour long-time airport supporter and former commissioner David Duax.

In terms of facilities and aircraft, the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport covers 1,100 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 913 feet above mean sea level. It features two runways: the primary runway is 8,101 feet long with a concrete surface, and the crosswind runway is 5,000 feet long with an asphalt and concrete surface. For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, the airport recorded 18,897 aircraft operations, averaging 52 per day. The airport is served by various airlines, including United Airlines, SkyWest, Sun Country Airlines, Boutique Air, and Southern Airways Express.

Eau Claire Airways

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (IATA: EAU, ICAO: KEAU, FAA LID: EAU) is a public airport in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States, owned by Eau Claire County. In 1923, 80 acres of land in Putnam Heights were purchased to build an airport, and in 1929, Eau Claire Airways was established, offering training and scheduled taxi services to Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The airline's training programmes were also instrumental in nurturing the region's aviation industry. By offering comprehensive training, Eau Claire Airways empowered individuals to pursue careers in aviation. This initiative not only contributed to the industry's growth but also enhanced air connectivity and accessibility in the region. The impact of their training services extended beyond the immediate benefits, helping establish a solid foundation for future aviation developments.

In addition to its taxi and training services, Eau Claire Airways played a pivotal role in the early years of aviation in the region. The airline actively participated in air shows and exhibitions, captivating audiences and fostering a culture of innovation. Their involvement in these events not only entertained but also educated the public about the emerging field of aviation. Through their dynamic presence, Eau Claire Airways left an indelible mark on the history of aviation in Wisconsin and beyond.

Today, Chippewa Valley Regional Airport continues to serve the region, offering flights to various destinations. The airport is recognised as a vital transportation hub, connecting the community of Eau Claire to the rest of the world. With a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation, the airport stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Eau Claire Airways and the region's ongoing commitment to air travel.

Airport terminal hours

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (CVRA) is a public airport located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, around 3.5 miles north of Eau Claire's central business district. The airport is owned by Eau Claire County and is the largest airport in the 30-county northern Wisconsin area.

The airport terminal opens daily at 4:00 am and remains open until 11:00 pm. However, it is important to note that the terminal always opens a minimum of 2.5 hours ahead of Sun Country departure times. On Saturdays, the terminal opens at 7:30 am. The airport recommends arriving 60 minutes before your departure time. The terminal hours may vary on holidays, during flight schedule changes, and on special occasions.

CVRA offers a range of services and facilities, including a full-service fixed-base operator, rental car agencies, taxi services, and conference facilities. The airport provides hassle-free and friendly travel without the long waits and crowds typically associated with larger airports. By flying from Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, travellers can save time, parking costs, and mileage expenses.

The airport has a rich history, with Eau Claire Airways starting its operations in 1929, offering training and scheduled taxi services to Wisconsin and Minnesota. The current site of Eau Claire County Airport began its operations in 1940, and Chippewa Valley Regional Airport officially opened in 1947 with the arrival of a Northwest Airlines DC-3. Upgrades and expansions have been made over the years, with a terminal addition in 1981 and a remodelling completed in 2009.

Airlines that fly out of Eau Claire

Yes, Eau Claire has an airport! The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (IATA: EAU, ICAO: KEAU, FAA LID: EAU) is a public airport in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, and is owned by Eau Claire County. The airport is located 3.5 miles north of Eau Claire's central business district and is the largest airport in the 30-county northern Wisconsin area.

The airport is mainly used for general aviation and business travel, but it does offer some commercial airline services. Here is a list of airlines that fly out of Eau Claire's Chippewa Valley Regional Airport:

Sun Country Airlines

This airline provides flights to Minneapolis International Airport and has seasonal nonstop flights to Fort Myers, Florida. Sun Country Airlines also offers charter services to other popular destinations.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers regional service to its hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with connections worldwide.

SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest previously served the airport until November 2022 and has since resumed flights to O'Hare International Airport as of December 2024.

In addition to these airlines, Eau Claire's airport has been served by various other carriers over the years, including North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines, Lakeland Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, Skyway Airlines, Air Wisconsin, and more.

Transportation to the airport

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (IATA: EAU) is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and is the largest airport in the 30-county northern Wisconsin area. The airport is about 3.5 miles north of the central business district of Eau Claire and is accessible by several transportation options.

Public Transit

Eau Claire Transit provides public transportation to and from the airport. Route 3 connects the airport to downtown Eau Claire on weekdays, while on Saturdays, Route 3/4 stops on Starr Avenue outside the airport. There is no bus service to the airport on Sundays.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services are available to and from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Eau Claire. Companies such as Landline, Green Fleet, and Groome Transportation offer sustainable transportation options for travellers. Groome Transportation, for example, provides shuttle services between the airport and locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Baldwin, and Hudson. Reservations are recommended to ensure availability, and schedules may be adjusted based on travel demand.

Taxi, Ride-Share, and Bicycle

If you prefer a taxi, you can explore the various taxi services available in Eau Claire, or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Getting around by bicycle is also a popular option, as the trail systems in Eau Claire connect to other counties in the Chippewa Valley.

Driving and Parking

For those who plan to drive and park at the airport, information about free parking lots, metered parking, and general parking regulations in downtown Eau Claire is available online.

Frequently asked questions