Airport Traffic Soars Higher in 2024

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Image from the airport.

Air passenger traffic through Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport continued a steady ascent in 2024.

Traffic through the airport has been steadily climbing, year over year, since the COVID-19 pandemic grounded flights and wiped out air traffic in 2020. The numbers continue to inch closer to the pre-pandemic traffic recorded in 2019.

In 2024, approximately 6.3 million passengers passed through Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, up 5% from the approximately 6 million in 2023. Last year’s increase brings the airport within 500,000 passengers of the pre-pandemic level of traffic.

“Travelers across the region continue to choose Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport as their airport of choice,” said County Executive David Crowley. “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.”

Increased passenger traffic in 2024 is important to improvements in years ahead.

“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,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “We hope to keep this trend going in 2025 with multiple projects underway to further elevate our customer experience.”

The airport attributed its success in 2024 to the increasing number of non-stop flights from Milwaukee offered by carriers. Airlines including Southwest, Sun Country, Frontier and Spirit have all added non-stop flights in recent years.

The improved traffic in 2024 occurred despite an IT failure in July that disrupted air travel systems globally. The airport’s second busiest carrier, Delta Airlines, cancelled flights across the county in the days following the incident.

As more travelers pass through the airport they will find a greater array of concessions offerings, with two new Dunkin’ locations and a new market called MKE Lakeshore Supply, offering souvenirs and Wisconsin-made treats.