
Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is a civil-military airport located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The airport is assigned the code MSN, which is used to identify the airport across various functions, such as flight handling, ticketing, air traffic control, and cargo management. The MSN terminal offers passengers a range of amenities, including ample parking, dining options, retail outlets, and free Wi-Fi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) |
| Airport Code | MSN |
| Airport Category | Small-hub primary commercial service facility |
| Airport Location | 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin |
| Airport Size | 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) |
| Field Elevation | 887 feet (270 m) above mean sea level |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Runway Dimensions | 1. 9,006 ft x 150 ft (2,745 m x 46 m) 2. 7,200 ft x 150 ft (2,195 m x 46 m) 3. 5,846 ft x 150 ft (1,782 m x 46 m) |
| Terminal Features | Jet bridges, restaurant, play area, nursing suite, service animal relief area |
| Ground Transportation | Madison METRO Transit, cab services, ride-sharing, car rental |
| Amenities | Dining options, retail outlets, free Wifi |
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What You'll Learn
- Dane County Regional Airport is also known as Truax Field
- The airport is located 6 miles from downtown Madison, Wisconsin
- It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin
- The airport has undergone terminal modernisation and expansion
- It is served by airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines

Dane County Regional Airport is also known as Truax Field
Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is located 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It is one of two airports in Wisconsin categorised as a small-hub primary commercial service facility, the other being Appleton International Airport. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger numbers, after Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) with a field elevation of 887 feet (270 m) above mean sea level. It has three concrete runways: the primary runway 18/36 is 9,006 by 150 feet (2,745 x 46 m); 3/21 is 7,200 by 150 feet (2,195 x 46 m); and 14/32 is 5,846 by 150 feet (1,782 x 46 m). The airport's fixed-base operator (FBO) is Wisconsin Aviation, which leased the assets of former FBOs Four Lakes Aviation and Coldstream Aviation in 1994. In August 2024, there were 163 aircraft based at the airport, including 92 single-engine, 7 multi-engine, 28 jet, 1 helicopter, and 35 various military aircraft.
The airport was established in 1927 when the City of Madison purchased 290 acres of land for $35,380. The land, previously a cabbage patch for a nearby sauerkraut factory, became the site of the present-day Dane County Regional Airport. In January 1936, the city council voted to accept a Works Progress Administration grant for the construction of four runways and an aeroplane hangar. Additional grants financed the terminal and administrative building, as well as electric floodlights. The total development cost was $1 million, with 10% paid by the city and the remainder by the federal government.
In September 1938, Barnstormer Howard Morey of Chicago, Edgar Quinn, and J.J. McMannamy organised the Madison Airways Corporation. During World War II, the airport was renamed Truax Field and activated as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield in June 1942. It served as a training centre for radio operators and mechanics, and later expanded to include radar operations, control tower operations, and other communications fields for the Army Airways Communication Service.
Dane County Regional Airport has undergone several modernisation and expansion projects in recent years, including the South Terminal expansion, which added three new gates to accommodate larger aircraft. The airport is served by Metro Transit Route D2, which offers direct service to downtown Madison and other destinations.
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The airport is located 6 miles from downtown Madison, Wisconsin
The airport with the code MSN is Dane County Regional Airport, which is located just 6 miles from the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. This convenient proximity to the city makes it an ideal gateway for travelers visiting Madison and the surrounding areas. Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and is located in the center of the state, offering a unique blend of urban and rural experiences.
Being so close to the city, the airport provides easy access to Madison's vibrant downtown area. Here, visitors can explore a diverse range of attractions, including the iconic State Capitol building, which dominates the city skyline with its grand architecture. The Capitol Square offers a lively hub of activity, with a bustling farmers' market, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. Madison is renowned for its vibrant food scene, boasting an impressive array of culinary options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries showcasing local flavors.
Beyond the downtown area, Madison offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is nestled between two stunning lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, providing a picturesque backdrop for various activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, sailing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beaches along the lakeshores. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, a prominent educational institution, also contributes to the city's vibrant atmosphere, offering a range of cultural and sporting events that are open to the public.
For those seeking a more rural experience, Madison is surrounded by picturesque countryside and quaint towns that showcase Wisconsin's agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore nearby farms, orchards, and wineries, indulging in fresh produce and local specialties. The airport's convenient location thus opens up a world of possibilities, catering to a diverse range of interests and offering a unique blend of urban exploration and rural relaxation. Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, the proximity of Dane County Regional Airport to downtown Madison enhances the travel experience, providing easy access to all that this vibrant city has to offer.
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It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin
Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is located 6 miles (9.6 km) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Its IATA code is MSN, and it is one of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin. In fact, it is the second busiest airport in the state in terms of passenger numbers, only surpassed by Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport.
Dane County Regional Airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility. This means it is a publicly-owned airport that receives scheduled passenger services and handles more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year. Despite being a small hub, it is still one of the busiest airports in Wisconsin.
The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) and has a field elevation of 887 feet (270 meters) above sea level. It has three concrete runways, the longest of which is 9,006 feet (2,745 meters) in length. The airport has undergone several expansion projects, including the recent South Terminal expansion, which added three new gates capable of accommodating larger aircraft.
Dane County Regional Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1927 when the City of Madison purchased the land that would become the airport. It played a significant role during World War II, serving as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield and providing training in various fields, including radio operations and mechanics. Today, the airport continues to serve the Madison area, offering convenient travel options and contributing to the state's well-connected aviation network.
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The airport has undergone terminal modernisation and expansion
Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is located 6 nautical miles (11km; 6.9mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The airport's IATA, ICAO and FAA LID codes are all MSN.
The airport has undergone several modernisation and expansion projects over the years. In 1986, the airport tripled in size with a $12 million project that expanded the terminal from 32,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet, adding a second-level concourse with six boarding bridges. In 2006, the airport completed a $68 million expansion that doubled the size of the terminal, which was built in a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced prairie style. This new terminal included 13 gates with jetways, WiFi, additional restaurant and retail vendors post-security, an art court, and both business and family lounges.
In February 2018, the airport announced a significant terminal modernisation program, including the replacement of existing jet bridges and design work, as well as major construction, including additional jet boarding bridges. In 2021, construction began on the $85 million South Terminal expansion, which added three new gates that can accommodate larger aircraft. The South Terminal expansion was completed and formally opened in June 2023, adding three new gates to the airport.
Dane County Regional Airport has a rich history, having previously been a cabbage patch for a nearby sauerkraut factory before the City of Madison purchased the land in 1927. During World War II, it was activated as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield and used for various training purposes. Today, it is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passengers served.
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It is served by airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines
Madison's Dane County Regional Airport, with the airport code MSN, is a civil-military public airport serving Madison, Wisconsin, and its surrounding areas. The airport is located on the northeast side of Madison, Wisconsin, about six miles from the city center. It covers an area of 1,800 acres and has two runways. The airport is home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Dane County Regional Airport is a focus city for Sun Country Airlines and is also served by several major airlines, providing convenient travel options for passengers.
When it comes to airlines, Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is served by several prominent carriers, offering passengers a range of travel options and convenient connections to their desired destinations. Among the airlines serving MSN are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, providing extensive domestic and international networks. These airlines offer a combination of full-service and low-cost models, catering to diverse passenger needs and budgets.
American Airlines, one of the major carriers at Dane County Regional Airport, provides an extensive network of flights across the United States and international destinations. Passengers can take advantage of American Airlines' comprehensive route map, which includes direct flights to key hubs and popular travel destinations. The airline offers a full-service experience, with various amenities and services to make travel comfortable and convenient. Passengers can expect a range of seating options, in-flight entertainment, and a choice of fare types to suit their preferences.
Delta Air Lines, another prominent carrier at MSN, offers a similar range of benefits to passengers. With Delta, travelers can access a vast global network, including numerous direct flights to major cities and convenient connections to international destinations. Delta provides a superior travel experience with a focus on comfort and customer satisfaction. Passengers can enjoy the benefits of Delta's frequent flyer program, SkyMiles, earning rewards and enjoying exclusive perks during their travels.
United Airlines, the third major airline serving Dane County Regional Airport, completes the trio of full-service carriers. United offers a comprehensive route network, ensuring that passengers can reach their desired destinations with ease. The airline provides a premium travel experience, emphasizing comfort and convenience. Passengers can take advantage of United's award-winning inflight services, including a variety of dining options, entertainment, and comfortable seating configurations. United's MileagePlus frequent flyer program further enhances the travel experience, offering rewards and benefits to regular passengers.
The presence of these three major airlines at Dane County Regional Airport underscores the airport's significance and ensures that passengers have a diverse range of travel options. American, Delta, and United each offer their unique benefits, allowing travelers to choose the carrier that best suits their needs, preferences, and budgets. With convenient flight schedules, efficient operations, and a focus on customer satisfaction, these airlines contribute to a positive travel experience for those passing through MSN.
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Frequently asked questions
Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field.
6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin.
Airport codes are used to ensure that the particular airport service is up-to-date for flight handling, ticketing, and other bookings.
MSN.
KMSN.









































