Airports in Southern Wisconsin

Southern Wisconsin boasts a diverse array of airports, ranging from major international hubs to small regional airfields. This article explores the aviation landscape of the region, highlighting the unique features and services offered by each airport. Whether you’re a business traveler, a recreational pilot, or simply curious about local air transportation, this guide provides valuable insights into Southern Wisconsin’s airport infrastructure. 

About Milwaukee Fly Limo

Major Commercial Airports: Gateways to the World

Southern Wisconsin is home to two significant commercial airports that serve as primary gateways for both domestic and international travelers.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport stands as the largest and busiest airport in Wisconsin. Located just 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, MKE handles millions of passengers annually. The airport features five runways, supporting various airlines such as Southwest, Delta, and United, with nonstop flights to more than 35 cities across North America. MKE also houses the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. The terminal includes concourses for both domestic and international passengers, and it offers numerous amenities including restaurants, shopping, and a Gallery of Flight museum.

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) – Truax Field

Dane County Regional Airport, situated in Madison, serves as a major civil-military airport for air carriers, general aviation, cargo, and military operations. It spans 3,500 acres and has three runways, with the longest measuring 9,006 feet. The airport has seen significant expansions in recent years, with the latest terminal project completed in 2023, adding three new gates to the South Terminal. The terminal now has 16 gates overall and offers modern amenities such as a restaurant, children’s play area, and a pet relief zone.

Dane County Regional Airport supports multiple airlines, including American, United, Delta, Breeze Airways, and Frontier, with destinations across the U.S. The airport also handles cargo flights operated by companies like FedEx and Air Cargo Carriers.

Regional Airports: Supporting Local Aviation Needs

Southern Wisconsin’s aviation infrastructure extends beyond its major commercial hubs, encompassing a network of regional airports that cater to general aviation, business flights, and specialized services.

Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (JVL)

Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville serves as a key regional hub for general and corporate aviation. It covers 1,800 acres and features three asphalt runways, with the longest being 6,701 feet. The airport handles approximately 54,744 aircraft operations per year, including general aviation, air taxi, and military flights. It also has several based aircraft, including single-engine planes, jets, and helicopters. The airport has an FBO offering services such as fuel, hangar space, and other amenities for pilots.

Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW)

Kenosha Regional Airport is a publicly-owned facility located about 4 miles west of downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin. The airport spans 974 acres and has three runways: the main runway, 7L/25R, measures 6,600 feet, while the two secondary runways are 4,440 feet and 3,302 feet long, respectively. The airport handles around 60,000 operations annually, mainly from general aviation and air taxi services, and is home to over 220 aircraft.

Kenosha Regional serves as a designated reliever airport for the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor, alleviating congestion from the larger commercial airports in the area. The airport operates an air traffic control tower from 7 AM to 9 PM and offers various services, including flight schools, aviation maintenance, and fixed-base operator (FBO) services.

Batten International Airport (RAC)

Batten International Airport in Racine is the largest privately-owned public-use airport in the U.S., covering 450 acres. It supports both general and corporate aviation, with two runways: Runway 4/22 is 6,574 feet long, and Runway 14/32 is 4,421 feet long. Batten International provides services like fuel, deicing, tie-down space, and customs for international flights. It handles around 47,000 aircraft operations annually, primarily general aviation but also some air taxi flights. The airport is a vital part of the business aviation infrastructure in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.

General Aviation Airports: Serving Local Communities

Southern Wisconsin’s aviation landscape is further enriched by numerous general aviation airports that serve local communities, support flight training, and facilitate recreational flying.

Notable General Aviation Airports in Southern Wisconsin:

1. Reedsburg Municipal Airport (C35)
2. Tri-County Regional Airport (KLNR)
3. Middleton Municipal Airport (C29)
4. Dodge County Airport (UNU)
5. Watertown Municipal Airport (RYV)
6. Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport (61C)
7. West Bend Municipal Airport (ETB)
8. Hartford Municipal Airport (HXF)
9. East Troy Municipal Airport (57C)
10. Burlington Municipal Airport (BUU)
11. Capitol Airport (02C)

Reedsburg Municipal Airport (C35)

Reedsburg Municipal Airport is a public airport located one mile east of Reedsburg, Wisconsin. It is owned by the City of Reedsburg and serves primarily general aviation needs. The airport covers 153 acres and has two asphalt runways: 18/36, which is 4,840 feet long, and 7/25, which is 2,510 feet long. The airport averages around 14,300 operations per year, primarily general aviation flights, with a few air taxi and military operations.

Tri-County Regional Airport (KLNR)

Tri-County Regional Airport, located in Lone Rock, Wisconsin, serves as a public-use facility primarily for general aviation. Owned by the counties of Sauk, Iowa, and Richland, this airport covers an area of 225 acres and sits at an elevation of 717 feet. The airport has two asphalt runways: runway 9/27 is 5,000 feet long, and runway 18/36 is 1,850 feet long.

Middleton Municipal Airport (C29)

Middleton Municipal Airport, also known as Morey Field, is a public-use, general aviation airport located 5 miles northwest of Middleton, Wisconsin. The airport is owned by the City of Middleton and provides a regional alternative to the larger Dane County Regional Airport. Covering 252 acres, it has two runways: an asphalt runway (10/28) that is 4,001 feet long and a turf runway (1/19) that is 1,780 feet long.

Dodge County Airport (UNU)

Dodge County Airport, located in Juneau, Wisconsin, is a publicly owned general aviation airport covering 580 acres. It features two asphalt runways: the main runway (08/26) is 5,070 feet long, while the crosswind runway (02/20) is 4,028 feet long. The airport is primarily used for general aviation, accounting for around 94% of its 29,000 annual operations.

Watertown Municipal Airport (RYV)

Watertown Municipal Airport was commissioned in 1945 and has since developed into a modern facility serving over 90 aircraft. It features two asphalt runways: Runway 5/23, which is 4,429 feet long, and Runway 11/29, which is 2,801 feet long. The airport handles approximately 159 operations per day, consisting mainly of general aviation, air taxi services, and some military activity.

Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport (61C)

Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport is a public-use facility located about 3 miles northeast of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. It covers an area of 118 acres at an elevation of 800 feet above sea level. The airport has one asphalt runway (03/21) that is 3,800 feet long and 60 feet wide. This runway is in good condition and is equipped with approved GPS approaches.

West Bend Municipal Airport (ETB)

West Bend Municipal Airport is a public-use general aviation airport located about 5 miles east of West Bend, WI. The airport has two asphalt runways, the longest being 4,494 feet. It handles a mix of general aviation and flight training activities and serves as a regional hub for small aircraft. The airport offers fuel services, aircraft maintenance, and hangar rentals.

Hartford Municipal Airport (HXF)

Hartford Municipal Airport, located northwest of Hartford, Wisconsin, serves as a public-use facility owned by the City of Hartford. The airport covers 378 acres and has two runways: Runway 9/27, an asphalt runway 3,401 feet long, and Runway 18/36, a 2,231-foot turf runway. The airport mainly supports general aviation operations, averaging 42 operations per day, and is home to 91 aircraft, including single-engine planes, gliders, and helicopters.

East Troy Municipal Airport (57C)

East Troy Municipal Airport is a public-use general aviation airport located in East Troy, Wisconsin. It features two runways: a 3,900-foot asphalt runway and a 2,800-foot turf runway. The airport supports various aviation activities, including flight training and recreational flying. Facilities include fuel services, hangar rentals, and aircraft maintenance.

Burlington Municipal Airport (BUU)

Burlington Municipal Airport, located in Burlington, WI, is a public-use airport primarily serving general aviation. The airport has a 4,300-foot asphalt runway and provides basic services such as hangars, fuel (100LL and Jet A), and tie-downs. It supports a variety of aviation activities including recreational flying and flight training. The airport averages around 10,000 operations annually, predominantly from general aviation.

Capitol Airport (02C)

Capitol Airport, located in Brookfield, WI, is a small general aviation airport primarily used for flight training and private aviation. The airport covers about 77 acres and features a single asphalt runway that is 2,653 feet long. It provides basic services for private aircraft, including hangar rentals, flight training, and aircraft maintenance. Capitol Airport is a popular choice for local pilots in the Milwaukee area.

Specialized and Smaller Airports: Catering to Niche Aviation Needs

Southern Wisconsin’s aviation landscape is further diversified by specialized and smaller airports that cater to specific aviation needs or serve particular communities.

Timmerman Airport (MWC)

Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport, located on Milwaukee’s northwest side, serves primarily general aviation. The airport spans 420 acres and includes two paved runways and two turf runways. The main asphalt runway (15L/33R) is 4,107 feet long, while the crosswind runway is 3,203 feet. It handles around 27,000 operations annually, with a majority being general aviation. Timmerman offers fuel services and has facilities for aircraft maintenance, making it a hub for private and business aviation.

Beloit Airport (44C)

Beloit Airport is a smaller, privately-owned facility in Rock County, near the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport. It primarily supports general aviation with its single turf runway, which is 3,300 feet long. The airport is used for a variety of recreational and private flights, but it does not have extensive commercial services.

Fox River Airport (96C)

Fox River Airport, located near Rochester, Wisconsin, is a private-use facility that primarily serves small general aviation aircraft. The airport has a turf runway, which is used for light aviation activities, such as recreational flying. As a private-use airfield, it is generally not open to the public, and any operations typically require prior approval from the owner.

Palmyra Municipal Airport (88C)

Palmyra Municipal Airport is a small public-use airport located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, owned by the Town of Palmyra. It sits at an elevation of 851 feet above sea level and covers an area of 115 acres. The airport has one turf runway (09/27), which is 2,800 feet long and 200 feet wide.

Economic Impact and Community Engagement

Southern Wisconsin’s airports play a crucial role in the region’s economic development and community engagement. These aviation facilities not only provide essential transportation links but also contribute significantly to local economies through job creation, business facilitation, and tourism support.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, as the largest in the region, generates a substantial economic impact. The airport supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, ranging from airline staff and ground crew to retail employees and transportation services. MKE’s international connections also facilitate global business relationships, enhancing Milwaukee’s position in the global economy.

Regional airports like Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) and Kenosha Regional (ENW) contribute to their local economies by attracting businesses that require convenient air access. These airports often host corporate flights, supporting regional economic development by providing efficient transportation for business executives and facilitating just-in-time delivery for manufacturing industries.

Many of the smaller general aviation airports engage with their communities through various events and educational programs. For instance, East Troy Municipal Airport (57C) hosts local aviation events, fostering community interest in aviation and providing educational opportunities for aspiring pilots.

Future Developments and Challenges

As Southern Wisconsin’s aviation sector continues to evolve, several airports are planning for future growth and facing various challenges. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is continuously updating its facilities to meet increasing demand and improve passenger experience. Recent renovations have focused on enhancing terminal amenities and improving ground transportation options.

Dane County Regional Airport’s recent expansion, adding three new gates, reflects the growing air travel demand in the Madison area. This growth presents both opportunities and challenges, as the airport balances increased capacity with environmental considerations and community impact.

Regional and general aviation airports face their own set of challenges, including maintaining aging infrastructure, adapting to changing technology, and attracting new pilots to address the ongoing pilot shortage. Many of these airports are exploring ways to diversify their revenue streams and increase community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Challenges Facing Southern Wisconsin Airports:

1. Balancing growth with environmental concerns
2. Upgrading infrastructure to meet modern aviation needs
3. Addressing the pilot shortage and promoting aviation careers
4. Competing with larger hub airports for passengers and airlines
5. Maintaining financial sustainability, especially for smaller airports

Conclusion

Southern Wisconsin’s diverse array of airports forms a robust aviation network that supports the region’s transportation needs, economic growth, and community development. From major commercial hubs like Milwaukee Mitchell International and Dane County Regional to specialized facilities like Timmerman and Fox River Airport, each plays a unique role in the aviation ecosystem.

As air travel continues to evolve, these airports will face both opportunities and challenges. Their ability to adapt to changing technologies, meet growing demand, and maintain strong community connections will be crucial in shaping the future of aviation in Southern Wisconsin. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business owner, or an aviation enthusiast, understanding this diverse airport landscape provides valuable insights into the region’s connectivity and economic potential.