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The General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is a medium-sized, commercial airport located 5-8 miles 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 United States Air Force. The airport is owned and operated by Milwaukee County and has been recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport |
| Former Name | General Mitchell International Airport |
| Location | 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States |
| Address | 5300 South Howell Ave |
| Distance from downtown Milwaukee | 8 miles (approximately 15 minutes by drive) |
| Type | Civil–military airport |
| Owner | Milwaukee County |
| Transportation | 8 on-premise auto rental agencies, shuttles, taxis, limousine services, and coach transports |
| Parking | Hourly parking available |
| Amenities | Beer garden, The Mitchell Gallery of Flight museum |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is named after Brigadier General Billy Mitchell
Mitchell was the first American airman to fly over enemy lines during World War I. He commanded a mass bombing by a French-US air armada of almost 1,500 planes—the largest concentration of air power at the time. He was promoted to Brigadier General and Chief of the Air Service, the top command in aviation.
During World War I, Mitchell recognised the importance of aviation and learned to fly at his own expense. He was promoted to Major and appointed Chief of the Air Service of the First Army. In Europe, he was promoted to Colonel and commanded more than 1,500 British, French, and American aircraft in the war—the largest "air force" assembled.
After the war, Mitchell was appointed deputy director of the Air Service and began advocating for increased investment in air power, believing it would be vital in future wars. He organised a series of bombing runs against stationary ships to test his theory that bombers could sink battleships. However, his forceful promotion of his ideas led to clashes with high-ranking officers, and he was court-martialled for insubordination.
Mitchell resigned from the Army in 1926 but continued to influence aviation until his untimely death in 1936 at the age of 56. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, located 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, was renamed in his honour in 1941.
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It is located 5-8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The General Mitchell International Airport, also known as Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, is located 5-8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and considered the father of the United States Air Force. The airport covers 2,314 acres and has five asphalt and concrete runways. It is a medium-hub primary commercial service facility, serving not only Milwaukee but also Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
General Mitchell International Airport is easily accessible from downtown Milwaukee. It is about a 15-minute drive, and there are various transportation options available, including eight on-site auto rental agencies and several shuttle, taxi, and limousine services. Additionally, Uber and Lyft provide drop-off and pick-up services to and from the airport. For those who prefer rail travel, there is an Amtrak station conveniently located near the terminal, with a free shuttle bus connecting the airport and the station.
The airport has a unique offering as the only airport in the United States with a beer garden. Barons' Beer Garden celebrates Milwaukee's renowned beer barons: Valentin Blatz, Frederick Miller, Frederick Pabst, and Joseph Schlitz. The airport also boasts the only Cousins Subs in an airport, a Wisconsin-based sandwich shop serving grilled and fresh deli sandwiches. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport also has a free museum showcasing the history of aviation, called the Mitchell Gallery of Flight, with exhibits featuring pioneers of the aviation industry, including local heroes.
General Mitchell International Airport is recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International. This accolade was received for two consecutive years, highlighting the airport's exceptional standards and services. The airport has an official address of 5300 South Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, and it is situated just west of Lake Michigan.
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It is a medium-sized, primarily commercial airport
The General Mitchell International Airport, also known as Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, is a medium-sized, primarily commercial airport. It is situated just west of Lake Michigan and about 5-8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport covers 2,314 acres of land and has five asphalt and concrete runways. It is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is considered the father of the United States Air Force and was raised in Milwaukee.
General Mitchell Airport is a civil-military airport that serves as the primary airport for Milwaukee. It is also used by travellers from Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The airport offers lower fares and convenient transportation options, including eight on-site auto rental agencies and various shuttle, taxi, limousine, and coach services. Additionally, it is recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International.
The airport has a unique partnership with Milwaukee County Parks and the airport restaurant concessionaire SSP America, resulting in the creation of Barons' Beer Garden, the only beer garden at a US airport. It also features the only Cousins Subs in an airport, a Wisconsin-based sandwich shop. The airport's Main Terminal houses the Mitchell Gallery of Flight, a free museum dedicated to the history of aviation.
General Mitchell Airport has a rich history, with a former military presence. A World War II prisoner-of-war camp was once located there, and it was previously named General Mitchell Field and General Mitchell Air Reserve Station. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the present terminal opening in 1955.
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It is owned and operated by Milwaukee County
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (IATA: MKE, ICAO: KMKE, FAA LID: MKE) 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 in honour of United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and is often regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
The airport is owned and operated by Milwaukee County. However, some Milwaukee business leaders and politicians have advocated for privatisation or leasing it to a third party for financial reasons. The airport was formerly a hub for AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, and North Central Airlines.
On June 19, 1986, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors renamed the airport General Mitchell International Airport. In February 2019, the airport was renamed Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport to highlight its location, although the old name is still used by the FAA and the US government. The airport covers 2,314 acres (936 ha) and has five asphalt and concrete runways. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2025-2029 and is categorised as a medium-hub primary commercial service facility.
The airport also has a rich history. During the late depression years (1938–July 1940), a new two-story passenger terminal building was constructed by the Works Progress Administration. On March 17, 1941, the airport was renamed Billy Mitchell Field after Milwaukee native and air power advocate Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell. The present terminal opened on July 20, 1955, and was designed by Leigh Fisher and Associates.
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It is recognised as one of the best airports in the world
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (IATA: MKE, ICAO: KMKE, FAA LID: MKE) is recognised as one of the best airports in the world. Located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it is a civil-military airport 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 airport has a rich history, dating back to 1920 when it was established as Hamilton Airport by local business owner and aviator Thomas F. Hamilton. It was renamed General Mitchell Field in March 1941 to honour Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell, a Milwaukee native and advocate for air power. The current terminal opened in July 1955, designed by Leigh Fisher and Associates, and has since undergone multiple renovations and expansions.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is known for its focus on safety and continuous improvement. In 2014, Governor Walker approved a safety improvement project, including the rehabilitation of airfield pavements and the installation of new perimeter fencing. Following an accident in 2007, the airport expanded the runway safety area, exceeding the recommended length by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The airport has also embraced the concept of airport-centred growth. It serves as a primary airport for Milwaukee and the surrounding regions, offering both domestic and international travel options. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport was recognised by the Airports Council International as one of the best airports in the world in 2022 and 2023, showcasing its commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience.
In addition to its commercial operations, the airport hosts the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, home to the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. This base conducts both federal and state missions, contributing to the airport's diverse functionality and solidifying its reputation as one of the best in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
General Mitchell Airport is located 5-8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
The address of the airport is 5300 South Howell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207.
The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
