Green Bay Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

The official airport serving Green Bay, Wisconsin, is Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport, located 7 nautical miles (13km, or 8.1 miles) southwest of downtown Green Bay, in the village of Ashwaubenon. Covering 2,441 acres (988 hectares), the airport has two runways and is used for commercial air travel and general aviation. It is the fourth busiest of eight commercial service airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger numbers.

The airport covers 2,441 acres and has two runways

The Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport is a fairly large airport, covering 2,441 acres of land and boasting two runways. The airport is located in Brown County, Wisconsin, and serves as the primary airport for people and teams travelling to Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers. With two fixed-base operators, Executive Air and Jet Air, the airport offers full service during operating hours.

The two runways at Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport are designated as Runway 18/36 and Runway 6/24. Runway 18/36 is the longer of the two, stretching 8,700 feet in length and 150 feet in width, while Runway 6/24 is 7,700 feet long and 150 feet wide. Both runways have concrete surfaces and are equipped with Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). Runway 18/36 has additional ILS equipment, ensuring safe landings and take-offs for aircraft.

The airport's vast size of 2,441 acres provides ample space for various facilities and services. In addition to the runways, the airport features two concourses, each with six gates, accommodating passenger traffic efficiently. The airport also offers a range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers, including restaurants, hotels, and other attractions nearby. Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport is easily accessible, located just 5.6 to 8 miles from the centre of Green Bay, making it a convenient option for travellers to and from the region.

The airport plays a significant role in the region's aviation industry, accommodating a considerable number of aircraft operations. In the twelve-month period ending in December 2023, the airport recorded 46,964 aircraft operations, averaging 129 operations per day. This included general aviation, air taxi services, commercial flights, and military operations. As of August 2024, 101 aircraft were based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and ultra-light aircraft.

Overall, the Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport's size of 2,441 acres, coupled with its two runways and range of facilities, makes it a significant aviation hub for the region. Its proximity to Green Bay and its status as the official airport of the city make it a convenient and popular choice for travellers visiting the area.

It is 8 miles from Green Bay's centre or 7 nautical miles

The Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport is located 7 nautical miles (13 km or 8.1 miles) southwest of downtown Green Bay, in the village of Ashwaubenon. It is approximately 8 miles from the centre of Green Bay, Wisconsin. This distance can be covered in about 12 minutes by taxi. The airport is also known as "The Gateway to Lambeau" as it is the primary airport used by people and teams travelling to Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.

The airport is named after Lt. Col. Austin Straubel, the first aviator from Brown County to die in service to his country on 3 February 1942. Before his death, Lt. Col. Straubel had served in the United States Army Air Corps for 13 years. The airport covers 2,441 acres (988 ha) and has two runways. The first runway, Runway 18/36, measures 8,700 x 150 ft (2,651 x 46 m) and is made of concrete and is ILS equipped. The second runway, Runway 6/24, measures 7,700 x 150 ft (2,347 x 46 m) and is also made of concrete, but is ILS/DME equipped.

In the year ending 31 December 2023, the airport recorded 46,964 aircraft operations, averaging 129 per day. The airport is categorised as a non-hub primary commercial service facility in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2025–2029.

It is the fourth busiest airport in Wisconsin in terms of passenger numbers

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Wisconsin in terms of passenger numbers. The airport is located in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, and is the official airport of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is approximately 8 miles from the center of Green Bay.

In 2023, the airport saw a 9.4% increase in passengers compared to the previous year, reaching numbers comparable to those in 2019, which was the busiest year in two decades for the airport. This increase in passengers has been attributed to a combination of factors, including a rise in leisure flying, a return of business travel, and the opening up of the international market.

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport serves as a gateway to various destinations, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, and Minneapolis. It also offers seasonal services to popular vacation spots like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Phoenix. The airport is conveniently located for those visiting Green Bay, with attractions such as Lambeau Field, the iconic home of the Green Bay Packers, and the Packers Hall of Fame, located nearby.

In addition to its commercial services, Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport also accommodates private aircraft, with two world-class FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) available. The airport is surrounded by a range of restaurants, hotels, and attractions, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for travelers.

It is also known as The Gateway to Lambeau

Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport is a public airport in Brown County, Wisconsin, United States. It is located about 8 miles from downtown Green Bay, in the village of Ashwaubenon. Covering 2,441 acres, the airport has two runways and is named after Lt. Col. Austin Straubel, the first aviator from Brown County to die in service of his country.

The airport is also known as "The Gateway to Lambeau" as it is the primary airport used by people and teams travelling to Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers. Lambeau Field is a must-see destination for football enthusiasts, known as the iconic home of the Green Bay Packers and a symbol of the city's love of the sport. It is located a short 10-15-minute drive from the airport. Visitors can also explore the Packers Hall of Fame, located at Lambeau Field, which offers an immersive journey through the team's history, showcasing legendary players and the rich traditions of the Packers.

Green Bay is a city known for its natural beauty, midwestern charm, and legendary football heritage. It boasts a vast number of private golf courses and is a short 50-minute drive from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The region also offers a variety of restaurants, hotels, and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

With its convenient location and easy access to Lambeau Field, Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport truly lives up to its nickname as "The Gateway to Lambeau," providing a gateway to the legendary destination for football fans and a symbol of Green Bay's sporting passion.

It is named after Lt. Col. Austin Straubel, the first aviator from Brown County to die in service

Austin Straubel International Airport, Green Bay, Wisconsin, is named after Lt. Col. Austin Straubel, a World War Two hero and the first aviator from Brown County to die in service. Lt. Col. Straubel died on February 3, 1942, from burns sustained during a bombing mission over Makassar Strait. His B-18 bomber was shot down by Japanese Zero Planes, and he succumbed to his injuries days later while trying to rescue his fellow soldiers from the crash.

Lt. Col. Austin Straubel was a member of the Army Air Corps and served in the United States Air Corps for 13 years. He was a commander of the 11th Bombardment Squadron and acting commander of the 7th Bombardment Group at the time of his death. He was also a distinguished athlete, playing football for Green Bay East High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduating from university in 1927, he returned to Green Bay and worked at his father's business, Midwest Cold Storage.

The Brown County Board renamed the airport after Lt. Col. Straubel in memory of his bravery and courage. The airport is located 8 miles from the center of Green Bay and is the nearest major airport to the city, offering domestic flights. It is also known for its ease of access to the nearby city of Oshkosh, which is a short 50-minute drive away.

Straubel's family has deep roots in Brown County, with his grandfather, H. August Straubel, being one of the early settlers in the county in 1846. His grandfather also served in the Civil War, fighting for the North for four years. Lt. Col. Straubel's parents were Charles A. and Alice C. (Van Dycke) Straubel, and he had three sisters: Minnie, Florence, and one whose name is not mentioned in the sources.

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