Airport in Wisconsin sees 5% increase, surpasses 6.3 million travelers in 2024

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials in Wisconsin say one airport in the Badger State saw its traffic continue to soar in 2024 after surpassing 6.3 million travelers, a 5% increase from 2023.

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According to a release from the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Milwaukee reached a new milestone in 2023 after passing the six million passengers mark for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials say the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport surpassed that number in 2024 when it serviced a total of 6,316,245 travelers.

Travelers across the region continue to choose Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport as their airport of choice. This continued growth is a testament to our airport’s excellence, generating economic growth and showcasing Milwaukee County as a premier destination to the world.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley

In addition to MKE welcoming an increase in passengers, the airport introduced new air service and added additional amenities and concession options throughout the year.

As part of the new air service, Sun County Airlines brought back its seasonal non-stop flights to Cancun, Mexico while also adding multiple weekly flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

These flights come in addition to the non-stop flights already available through Sun County Airlines including non-stop flights from Milwaukee to Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Orlando, and Phoenix.

Inside the airport itself, officials say applying for TSA PreCheck was made easier, there is now a rotating mural exhibit showcasing local Milwaukee artists on Concourse D, a locally-inspired market, MKE Lakeshore Supply was added to Concourse D, and two Dunkin’ locations have been added.

Travelers decide the level of air service at any airport, and more travelers coming through our doors lets airlines know the demand for flights is here. We hope to keep this trend going in 2025 with multiple projects underway to further elevate our customer experience.

Airport Director Brian Dranzik

Speaking of plans for 2025, officials say Southwest Airlines, which offers the most non-stop routes at MKE, is expected to add non-stop flights to Austin, Texas in March, a destination no other airline at MKE is currently serving.

Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are both expected to bring new low-cost travel options to those looking for warmer weather as the 2025 spring break season approaches.

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Both airlines have reportedly announced the addition of multiple flights per week to Tampa, Florida with Spirit Airlines also offering new flights to Orlando and expanded winter and spring break services to Fort Lauderdale.

I applaud Director Dranzik and the entire team for their outstanding work and commitment to ensuring that our hometown airport continues to provide top-tier service, convenience, and accessibility for all who travel through Milwaukee County.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley