Those numbers are providing a nice runway for 2024 – a year in which Milwaukee promises to be a popular destination with travelers as home to the 2024 Republican National Convention, Summerfest, Harley-Davidson’s Homecoming Festival, Northwestern Mutual’s Annual Meeting and more.“In 2024, we’ve seen the desire to travel return, with more and more people booking flights from MKE,” said Brian Dranzik, Airport Director at Mitchell International.
Officials at the airport are encouraging locals to choose Milwaukee when booking their flights. Milwaukee County employees are now required to begin and end their business travel at MKE thanks to a policy enacted in 2023.
“MKE is owned and operated by Milwaukee County, and flying from MKE helps create jobs, fuels our local economy and helps Milwaukee succeed,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Airport officials add that it makes financial sense for local travelers to choose MKE, as they save money on gas, tolls, parking and potentially a hotel stay should they choose an airport south of the border.
“If you fly from a Chicago airport, you’re giving your dollars to Illinois, and helping to add air service in Illinois,” said Dranzik. “The more people choose MKE when they fly, the more airlines will add additional nonstop flights, bring in larger planes and increase their flight offerings.”
Major carriers are proving that model correct. Last summer, Delta brought back non-stop flights to Salt Lake City, while Southwest resumed daily nonstop service to Kansas City. Later in the year, American Airlines launched twice-daily non-stop service to Washington D.C. and daily seasonal service to Miami. The beat goes on in 2024 as Frontier announced service three times a week to Raleigh-Durham, while Southwest announced weekly service to San Diego.
More passengers flying locally is important for the Milwaukee economy, said MMAC President Dale Kooyenga.
“No matter if it’s leisure or business travel, we should all be making every effort to utilize our hometown airport,” he said. “A busy airport is a sign of a successful region.”
“In 2024, we’ve seen the desire to travel return, with more and more people booking flights from MKE.”
Brian Dranzik, Airport Director at Mitchell International
