Roberta Aguirre
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, formerly known as General Mitchell International Airport, is located five miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just west of Lake Michigan. The airport is home to the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base and has been recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International.
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What You'll Learn
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport address
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is located at 5300 South Howell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207. The airport has been serving Milwaukee since the July 1927 opening of its first terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse. The airport was originally established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by local businessman and aviator Thomas F. Hamilton. Milwaukee County purchased the land in 1926 and renamed it Milwaukee County Airport. The airport's name was changed to General Mitchell International Airport in 1986 and then to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in February 2019.
The airport has a rich history, including visits from world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh in 1927 and, in a more tragic incident, a plane crash in 1954 that claimed the lives of Miller Brewing Company president Fred Miller and his son, as well as two pilots. During World War II, Mitchell Field was leased to the War Department and used as a prisoner-of-war camp for over 3,000 prisoners and 250 enlisted men. The airport has undergone various renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of the "hammerhead" section of the D concourse in 1990.
Today, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International. It houses the Mitchell Gallery of Flight, a non-profit museum, as well as retail outlets, a food court, and a branch of Renaissance Books, believed to be the first used bookstore in an airport. The airport also provides an observation lot along its northern edge, open to the public, and rebroadcasts tower communications via a low-power FM transmitter for visitors to tune into on their car radios.
The airport offers various parking options and is accessible from various parts of the city. It has been serving the community and connecting Milwaukee to the world for decades, playing a vital role in the city's transportation and commercial travel needs.
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History of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a civil-military airport located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. 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.
The history of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport dates back to the early 1900s when airports served as sites for recreation, commercial travel, and goods transportation. The original airfield was established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by local businessman and aviator, Thomas F. Hamilton. Milwaukee County purchased the land in October 1926 and renamed it Milwaukee County Airport. The first airport terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse, opened in July 1927, with Northwest Airlines, Inc. providing air service to Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The airport struggled financially and was eventually closed in the mid-1950s.
During World War II, the airport was leased to the War Department and used as a prisoner-of-war camp for German prisoners. In 1947, the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard was established at the airport and has been serving the communities of Wisconsin ever since.
In the late 1940s, commercial air travel to and from Milwaukee expanded, prompting the county to construct a new air terminal at what was then known as General Mitchell Field. The present terminal opened on July 20, 1955, and has undergone multiple renovations and expansions since then.
In June 1986, the airport was officially renamed General Mitchell International Airport by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, reflecting the presence of US Customs at the airport. The airport received further recognition in 2023 when it was named one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International.
Today, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport continues to serve Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin, Chicago, and northern Illinois, offering low-fare and easy-travel options to its passengers.
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Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport's recognition
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a civil-military airport located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the US Air Force.
The airport has received significant recognition and accolades for its operations and contributions to the aviation industry. Here is an overview of some of these achievements:
Awards and Recognition
In 2021, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport received two first-place international airport marketing awards from the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). It earned the top honours in the "Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards" category. Specifically, the airport was recognised for its Customer Experience Program and its successful "Partnering with Carriers" initiatives. The awards acknowledged the airport's creativity, technological advancements, and commitment to enhancing the overall passenger experience.
In 2023, the Airports Council International recognised Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport as one of the best airports in the world for the second consecutive year. This prestigious award highlighted the airport's exceptional performance and service quality.
Historical Significance
The airport has a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation. The original airfield was established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by Thomas F. Hamilton, a local business owner and aviator. In July 1927, world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh visited the Milwaukee airport, marking a significant event in its early years.
During World War II, the airport played a role as a prisoner-of-war camp, housing over 3,000 prisoners and 250 enlisted men. The airport has undergone various renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of the "hammerhead" section of the D concourse in 1990.
Community Engagement
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has been praised for its community engagement initiatives. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley commended the airport for its technological advancements and outreach efforts, highlighting its focus on partnership and inclusion. The airport's Letters to Santa program, recognised as part of its marketing awards, is another example of its commitment to community involvement.
Safety Initiatives
Safety is a top priority for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Following an incident in 2007, where a Northwest Airlines flight skidded off the runway, the airport expanded its runway safety area to enhance safety measures. This proactive approach to safety aligns with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommendations and demonstrates the airport's commitment to the well-being of its passengers and crew.
In summary, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has earned a distinguished reputation through its awards, historical significance, community engagement, and dedication to safety. These achievements contribute to the airport's overall excellence and its recognition as one of the best airports in the world.
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Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport's facilities
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a civil-military airport located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. The airport covers 2,314 acres (936 ha) and has five asphalt and concrete runways. It is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport serves as a major gateway for domestic and international travellers, offering nonstop flights to over 35 cities across North America and easy connections to over 160 international locations.
The airport has one terminal with two concourses and 38 gates. The terminal houses the Mitchell Gallery of Flight, a non-profit museum, and a USO room on the concession level, along with retail outlets, a small food court, and a branch of Renaissance Books, believed to be the world's first airport bookstore. There are play areas for children throughout the facility, and an observation lot along the northern edge of the airport that is open to the public. Tower communications are rebroadcast using a low-power FM transmitter for visitors to tune into on their car radios. The airport also has affordable parking options and competitive fares.
The original airfield was established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by Thomas F. Hamilton, a local businessman and aviator. Milwaukee County purchased the land in 1926 and renamed it Milwaukee County Airport. The first airport terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse, opened in July 1927, with Northwest Airlines beginning air service to Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The airport has undergone several name changes over the years, including being called General Mitchell International Airport from 1986 until its renaming in February 2019 to highlight its location.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has been recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International in 2022 and 2023. It has an average of 3,597,796 passengers per year and is known for its easy-to-navigate terminal, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
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Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport's director
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a civil-military airport located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. The airport covers 2,314 acres (936 ha) and has five asphalt and concrete runways. It is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport serves as the primary airport for Milwaukee and is also used by travellers from Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1920 when it was established as Hamilton Airport by Thomas F. Hamilton. It has undergone several name changes, including being called Milwaukee County Airport and General Mitchell International Airport. The current terminal opened in July 1955 and has seen multiple renovations and expansions over the years. The airport has been recognised as one of the best in the world by the Airports Council International.
As of 2015, the airport director for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is Terry Slaybaugh. Slaybaugh has attributed changes at the airport to customers heavily using the once-a-week non-stop option. Slaybaugh and the airport administration have been working on several projects to improve the airport's functionality and passenger experience.
One notable project is the construction of a new international terminal, which was initially planned to begin in early 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the start date was postponed, and as of May 2025, no firm date has been determined. The new terminal is expected to replace the current International Arrivals Terminal, which has limited capacity and is not connected to the main terminal building.
Another project is the addition of a new hangar complex in the northeast corner of the airport, which is anticipated to increase business travel. The airport has also been seeking a geo-tracking system to verify the collection of fees from companies like Uber and Lyft. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport continues to be an important transportation hub for the region, with a focus on enhancing its facilities and services.
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Frequently asked questions
Mitchell Field Airport, also known as Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The address is 5300 South Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207.
The airport is situated just west of Lake Michigan and five miles south of downtown Milwaukee. It is also home to the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base on its eastern side.
The original airfield was established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by Thomas F. Hamilton, a local business owner, and aviator. In 1926, Milwaukee County purchased the land and renamed it Milwaukee County Airport.
The American Family Field stadium is located just outside of the airport's Class C airspace, and helicopter tours of downtown Milwaukee take off and land at the west ramp of the airport.
