Milwaukee Airport: Location And Travel Tips

where is the airport in milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is served by several airports, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Timmerman Airport, Capitol Drive Airport, and Szymanski Airport. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, located 8-9.3 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, is the primary airport for the city and the surrounding region. It offers travellers a range of amenities, convenient transportation options, and connections to over 30 cities. The airport has a rich history, having been renamed multiple times, and features unique attractions like the Barons' Beer Garden and the Mitchell Gallery of Flight museum.

Characteristics Values
Name Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Location 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Area 2,314 acres (936 ha)
Terminals 1
Concourses 2
Gates 38
Runways 5
Airlines Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Sky Club, AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, North Central Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Midwest Express
Other Amenities Beer garden, Cousins Subs, The Miller Brewhouse, Scoreboard store, free museum on the history of aviation, observation lot, 8 on-premise auto rental agencies
Other Airports in Milwaukee Timmerman Airport, Capitol Drive Airport, Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport, Szymanski Airport, Waukesha County's Crites Field, West Bend Municipal Airport

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Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

The airport has one terminal with two concourses and 38 gates. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines operate from Concourse C, while the remaining airlines operate from Concourse D, which also houses a Delta Sky Club. The terminal features the usual retail outlets, including a small food court and a branch of Renaissance Books, believed to be the world's first airport used bookstore. There is also a play area for children and an observation lot open to the public along the airport's northern edge.

In recent years, there have been plans to expand the airport's terminal area, including stretching the existing terminal or constructing a separate one. The approved 2018 Milwaukee County Budget included funding for a new International Terminal to replace the current International Arrivals Terminal (IAT), which has limited capacity and is not connected to the main terminal. The project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as of May 2025, airport officials are seeking bids for the demolition of the existing concourse and the construction of the new international concourse.

The airport has received recognition from Airports Council International as one of the best airports in the world for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023. It is accessible from various highways, and public transportation options include the MCTS Green Line and Badger Coaches, which provide connections to downtown Milwaukee and other areas.

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Timmerman Airport

Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport, known locally as Timmerman Field, is an airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. It is located 5 miles (8 km) northwest of the city centre and is owned by Milwaukee County. The airport is used mainly for general or private aviation and is categorized as a regional reliever airport facility.

The airport was built in 1929 and dedicated on July 6, 1930, as one of 25 such projects in U.S. cities by the newly incorporated airplane manufacturer Curtiss-Wright. The airport was originally known as Curtiss-Wright Field, which is where the letters "WC" in its airport codes (MWC) come from. In 1945, Curtiss-Wright sold the airport to Fliteways, Inc., the airport's property manager since 1936. Milwaukee County purchased the airport from Fliteways in July 1947, when it was 131 acres (53 ha) in size.

In July 1959, the airport was renamed for Lawrence J. Timmerman (1878–1959), chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors from 1936 to 1959. Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport currently serves various general aviation groups, with Spring City Aviation as the current fixed-base operator. The airport is home to the Milwaukee chapter of Youth and Aviation, as well as two Civil Air Patrol squadrons: the Timmerman Composite Squadron and the Milwaukee Senior Support Squadron 10.

The airport covers an area of 420 acres (170 ha) and contains two asphalt runways: the primary runway 15L/33R measuring 4,107 x 75 ft (1,252 x 23 m) and the crosswind runway 4L/22R measuring 3,203 x 75 ft (976 x 23 m). Timmerman Airport offers a flight school, private charter flights, fuelling, and more. Public transit service to the airport is provided by the Milwaukee County Transit System.

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Capitol Drive Airport

Milwaukee has a few airports, but the main international airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is a civil-military airport located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 often regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport has one terminal with two concourses and 38 gates, and it offers a range of amenities for travellers, including a small food court, retail outlets, and play areas for children.

Another airport in Milwaukee is the Capitol Drive Airport, formerly known as Capitol Airport, located in Brookfield, Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This airport is privately owned by Wisconsin Aviation Investments LLC and is categorized as a regional reliever airport facility. It is smaller in size compared to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, covering an area of 207 acres (84 ha) with one asphalt runway and two turf runways. The airport does not have a flight control tower.

In January 2017, a news story emerged from Capitol Drive Airport when a couple and their infant son were injured during a plane crash while taking off. The single-engine plane was caught in strong crosswinds, resulting in a crash midway along the airport's only paved runway. Fortunately, all three family members survived, and the baby did not sustain any apparent injuries. The incident led to a temporary closure of the airport for at least 24 hours to facilitate investigation and ensure safety.

While Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport serves as the primary airport for commercial flights in Milwaukee, Capitol Drive Airport plays a significant role in general aviation and private charter operations in the region. Each airport contributes to the diverse aviation landscape of Milwaukee and its surrounding areas.

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Crites Field

While Crites Field is a smaller airport, it still offers a range of services and facilities for pilots and passengers. The airport has a dedicated air traffic control tower, ensuring safe and efficient operations. It also provides flight training, private charter flights, and aircraft fuelling services. The airport is a popular choice for general aviation, business travel, and leisure flights.

The airport is well-equipped to handle various aircraft, including small planes and private jets. It has a single runway, which is asphalt, and can accommodate different types of aircraft operations, such as take-offs, landings, and parking. The airport is also known for its friendly and professional staff, who are experienced in handling a range of aviation needs and requests.

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Waukesha County Airport

Milwaukee is served by several airports, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Timmerman Airport, and Waukesha County Airport. This response will focus on Waukesha County Airport.

The airport actively engages with the aviation community and enthusiasts through events like EAA's annual AirVenture and other airshows and fly-ins. These events provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved and share their passion for aviation. Waukesha County Airport also has a presence on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where users can stay up to date with the latest airport developments and connect with other aviation enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

Milwaukee has several airports, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Timmerman Airport, Capitol Drive Airport, and Szymanski Airport. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is the primary airport for the city and is located about 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 miles) or 8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee.

The IATA code for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is MKE.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has a free museum on the history of aviation called the Mitchell Gallery of Flight. It also has the only beer garden at a US airport, Barons' Beer Garden, and the only Cousins Subs in an airport.

There are various ground transportation options available at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, including eight on-site car rental agencies, shuttles, taxis, limousine services, coach transports, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. An Amtrak station is also located near the terminal.

The first airport in Milwaukee was built in 1919 and was called the "Milwaukee Air Port" or the "Lisbon Avenue Airport." It was a popular recreational destination in the 1920s, with spectators watching stunt pilots and "air derbies." Over time, Milwaukee's airports have included Timmerman Airport, Crites Field, West Bend Municipal Airport, and several small, private airports. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport was renamed in 1986 when a US Customs station was added and has since become the primary airport for the city.

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