Urbana-Champaign Airport: Does It Exist?

The University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) is the closest airport to the city of Urbana, Illinois, located 8 miles from the city centre. The airport is conveniently situated for access to the University of Illinois, and offers non-stop services to destinations including Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Diego International. The airport has raised over $850,000 to support new routes to leisure destinations such as Las Vegas and Florida.

University of Illinois Willard Airport

The University of Illinois Willard Airport, also known as Champaign / Urbana, IL (CMI), is a convenient airport located near the University of Illinois. The airport is committed to providing seamless connectivity, convenience, and an innovative experience for its passengers.

Willard Airport covers 1,799 acres of land and features three runways of varying lengths and surfaces, including asphalt, grooved asphalt, and asphalt-concrete. The terminal building has five gates and offers various amenities, including the Ion Grove Cafe, which provides fresh food, snacks, beverages, and retail items from local vendors.

The airport has a significant economic impact on the region, contributing $74,325,994 annually and $204,000 daily to Champaign County, according to a 2016 report. The airport also generates substantial tax revenue, with over $800,000 benefiting local schools.

Willard Airport offers nonstop services to destinations like Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth, with expanded services and larger planes introduced in 2023. The airport is also working on bringing leisure destinations like Las Vegas and Florida to its route map.

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District

The University of Illinois Willard Airport is located in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and serves the area with non-stop flights to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth. The airport is also in the process of bringing in routes to leisure destinations such as Las Vegas and Florida.

Champaign-Urbana does have a Mass Transit District (MTD) with a long history of public transportation. The first trolley service in the area was established in 1863 by the Urbana Railroad Company, linking Urbana and Champaign with horse or mule-drawn trolleys. By 1890, an electrified trolley system was in operation, with William B. McKinley introducing a system with as many as 20 routes, including a nighttime "Owl Service" connecting the two cities. In 1901, the Illinois Motor Transit Company introduced a city bus system, but it went bankrupt within a year. Buses became less popular with the advent of affordable cars, and by 1970, the Champaign-Urbana City Lines were facing declining ridership, aging buses, and financial difficulties. However, instead of closing the lines, a referendum was approved to create a mass transit district, which began operating on August 2, 1971, with Thomas Evans as its director.

Over the years, the Champaign-Urbana MTD has introduced several innovations. In 1994, they were one of the first transit agencies in the US to introduce low-floor buses to their fleet, purchasing second-hand articulated buses. In 1999, Illinois Terminal was established in downtown Champaign as a transit hub for the MTD, connecting it with Amtrak and intercity bus lines. MTD continued to upgrade its fleet, purchasing new articulated buses and introducing hybrid electric buses in 2009. More recently, in 2021, they added hydrogen fuel cell buses, showcasing their commitment to modern and environmentally friendly transportation options.

The Champaign-Urbana MTD has also faced some challenges and incidents. In 2004 and 2005, two separate incidents occurred where pedestrians were struck and killed by MTD buses, leading to a lawsuit in the latter case. As a result, a transportation study was conducted to improve bus safety on campus, and measures have been implemented to enhance safety.

Leisure destinations

Yes, Urbana-Champaign is served by the University of Illinois Willard Airport. The airport offers non-stop services to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth, with expanded services planned for the former. As of 2023, there is no public transport to the airport, but car rental services are available.

Champaign-Urbana has a lot to offer visitors, from the unexpected to the unique. Here are some leisure destinations to explore:

Day 1

Start your trip at the surprising Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, where you can meet and learn about friendly reindeer and enjoy classic BBQ with live entertainment.

Day 2

Take a journey into Amish Country, visiting the quaint communities of Arcola, Arthur, Sullivan, and Tuscola. Experience the simple, peaceful lifestyle of the Amish with a traditional Amish buggy tour of Green Meadow Farm, where you can discover their farming techniques and strong sense of community.

Day 3

Explore the region's artistic offerings, beginning with a visit to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, part of the University of Illinois' College of Fine & Applied Arts. This vast cultural hub features five indoor stages and offers behind-the-scenes tours and nightly performances, including dance, theatre, bands, and orchestras.

End your trip with a culinary adventure in downtown Champaign, which boasts over 40 locally owned restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world.

With its unique attractions, artistic venues, and diverse dining options, Champaign-Urbana invites you to discover its brilliance and experience unexpected adventures in the heart of the Midwest.

Air Force One incident

The University of Illinois Willard Airport services the Champaign-Urbana area. On January 21, 1998, Air Force One became stuck in the mud at this airport. A wide turn taken by the pilot caused the right main gear to slip off the taxiway and sink into the soft turf. This incident, which took place during President Bill Clinton's time in office, required the Air Force to dispatch a backup aircraft to transport the president from a speaking engagement. The backup aircraft, SAM26000, first entered service during the Kennedy Administration and was retired later that same year.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport is located in Savoy, Illinois, about five miles south of downtown Champaign. While there is no public transit service to the airport, the Champaign–Urbana Mass Transit District provides service about a mile to the northeast in Savoy. The airport can also be reached via U.S. Route 45 or Exit 229 (Monticello Road) on Interstate 57.

In addition to its convenient location, the airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including car rental agencies, a paid parking lot, and a curbside loading zone. The airport has also expanded its services and destinations over the years, with non-stop service to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth, and plans to add leisure destinations such as Las Vegas and Florida.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport has a significant economic impact on the region. A report found that the airport generated $10.2 million in annual tax receipts and $2.3 million in annual local taxes, with over $800,000 benefiting local schools. The airport also contributes to job creation in the area, with 23,266 visitors to the area each year helping to support 112.8 local jobs.

Taxiway upgrade plans

The University of Illinois Willard Airport, serving the cities of Champaign and Urbana, has announced plans to upgrade its taxiway design to remain aligned with FAA standards. The airport, owned and operated by the University of Illinois, covers 1,799 acres and has three runways.

The taxiway upgrade plans are part of a larger expansion project for the airport, which aims to transform the air service sector in Champaign County and stimulate the regional economy. The project is a joint initiative between the cities of Urbana and Champaign and the University of Illinois, recognising the airport's significant economic impact on the area.

The taxiway upgrade is intended to ensure the airport's compliance with FAA standards and enhance safety for aircraft using the facility. The airport has a history of incidents, including a notable event in January 1998 when Air Force One became stuck in the mud due to an unusual taxiway entry angle. This incident, among others, highlights the importance of maintaining and improving the airport's infrastructure.

The expansion project also includes plans to introduce leisure-class passenger service to popular tourist destinations such as Florida, Nevada, and Arizona. This addition will strengthen the region's connectivity and reduce its reliance on more distant airports. The airport is currently raising funds to support these new routes, with a goal of offering low-cost travel options to its passengers.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport is committed to improving its facilities and services, including the taxiway upgrade, to better serve its passengers and the local community. These upgrades will ensure the airport's continued safe and efficient operation, contributing to the economic and travel demands of the region.

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