
The airport code MKE stands for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, a civil-military airport located 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
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What You'll Learn
- MKE is the airport code for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
- The airport is named after Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, a Milwaukee native
- It is 5 nautical miles from downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- The airport covers 2,314 acres and has five runways
- It was recognised as one of the best airports in the world in 2023

MKE is the airport code for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
The airport covers 2,314 acres and has five asphalt and concrete runways. It is owned and operated by Milwaukee County and was formerly a hub for several airlines, including AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Midwest Airlines. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has been recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International for two consecutive years.
The airport's history dates back to the late 1930s, when a new two-story passenger terminal building was constructed during the depression years. On March 17, 1941, the airport was renamed General Mitchell Field, and it served as a World War II prisoner-of-war camp for a time. The present terminal opened in 1955, with renovations and expansions taking place over the years.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is the primary airport for Milwaukee and is also used by travellers from Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. It has an annual average of 3,597,796 passengers and has been serving the region since 1941. The airport's weather station has been the official point for Milwaukee weather observations and records since that time.
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The airport is named after Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, a Milwaukee native
The MKE airport code stands for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is a civil-military airport located 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport is named after Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, a Milwaukee native.
General Billy Mitchell was a United States Army General who is often regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. He was an early air power advocate and pushed for the development of military aircraft and air forces. During World War I, he commanded all US air combat units in France and earned many honors for his bravery and military achievements. After the war, he continued to advocate for air power and was instrumental in the establishment of the US Air Service.
Mitchell was born in Nice, France, in 1879 but moved to Milwaukee with his family as a child. He grew up in Milwaukee and considered it his hometown. He joined the US Army in 1898 and rose through the ranks quickly, becoming a General in 1916. He was a highly respected and decorated officer, known for his bold tactics and innovative use of air power.
In recognition of his contributions to aviation and his roots in Milwaukee, the airport was named after him in 1941. The full name of the airport was originally General Mitchell Field, but it has since been renamed Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport to highlight its location. The airport is owned and operated by Milwaukee County and serves as the primary airport for the region, with passengers from throughout Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois also using it.
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It is 5 nautical miles from downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The MKE airport code stands for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km or 5.8 miles) from downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and is considered the father of the United States Air Force.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is situated at 5300 South Howell Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and covers a vast area of 2,314 acres, or 936 hectares. The airport has a long history, with a new two-story passenger terminal building constructed during the late depression years from 1938 to July 1940. On March 17, 1941, the airport was renamed General Mitchell Field, honouring the legacy of Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell, a Milwaukee native and advocate for air power. The current terminal opened its doors on July 20, 1955, and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then.
Being just 5 nautical miles from downtown Milwaukee, the airport serves as the primary gateway to the city. Additionally, it caters to travellers across Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and even Northern Illinois. The airport's convenient location ensures easy access to and from the city centre, making it a popular choice for passengers in the region.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it also plays a significant role in weather monitoring. Since March 1941, the airport's weather station has been the official point for Milwaukee's weather observations and records, contributing to the city's weather data and forecasts.
The airport has a notable presence in the aviation industry, recognised by the Airports Council International as one of the best airports in the world for two consecutive years, from 2022 to 2023. This recognition underscores the airport's excellence in operations, facilities, and services, solidifying its reputation as a leading airport in the aviation industry.
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The airport covers 2,314 acres and has five runways
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is a large airport, covering 2,314 acres of land. This is the equivalent of around 936 hectares. The airport is located 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
MKE has five runways, all constructed from asphalt and concrete. The airport is a civil-military facility, and is owned and operated by Milwaukee County. It is a primary commercial service facility, acting as the primary airport for Milwaukee, and is also used by travellers across Southern and Eastern Wisconsin, as well as Northern Illinois.
The airport has a long history, with a new two-story passenger terminal building constructed as far back as 1940. The airport was renamed in 1941 to General Mitchell Field, after General Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee. The current terminal opened in 1955, with renovations taking place in 1985 and 1990.
MKE has been recognised by the Airports Council International as one of the best airports in the world, for two consecutive years. The airport has a maintenance base for SkyWest Airlines, and has previously been a hub for several other airlines, including AirTran Airways and Midwest Airlines.
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It was recognised as one of the best airports in the world in 2023
The MKE airport code stands for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is a civil-military airport located 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport was recognised as one of the best airports in the world in 2023 by the Airports Council International. This recognition was given for the second consecutive year, highlighting the airport's excellent facilities and services. The airport covers a vast area of 2,314 acres and features five asphalt and concrete runways, accommodating a wide range of aircraft.
The history of the airport dates back to the late 1930s when a new two-story passenger terminal building was constructed during the depression years. The airport was initially named General Mitchell Field in honour of General Mitchell, a Milwaukee native and advocate for air power. Over the years, the airport has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of the "hammerhead" section of the D concourse in 1990.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport serves as the primary airport for Milwaukee and the surrounding regions of Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. It has also been a hub for several major airlines, including AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, and North Central Airlines. The airport is owned and operated by Milwaukee County, and there have been discussions about privatisation or leasing it to a third party for financial reasons.
The airport has a long and fascinating history, including its use as a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, and it continues to play a significant role in the region's aviation industry. Its recognition as one of the best airports in the world in 2023 is a testament to its efficient operations, convenient location, and the hard work of its staff and management.
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Frequently asked questions
MKE stands for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and is often regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
No, the airport was renamed in 1941 from its previous name, General Mitchell Field. It was also known as General Mitchell International Airport until 2019 when it was rebranded to highlight its location in Milwaukee.











































