Airport Receives $8 Million for International Terminal Project

Rendering of new Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport International Terminal.

Construction of a new international terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport recently received a funding boost from the federal government.

Milwaukee Mitchell is currently redeveloping Concourse E to serve as the new international terminal. It will replace the existing terminal, built in 1975, that sits separate from the rest of the airport. Construction is anticipated to finish in 2027.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded the project $8 million through the Airport Terminals Program (ATP), bringing total federal support to $21.5 million. The project was also awarded two federal Airport Terminal Program grants totaling $13.5 million.

“Securing this grant is an important step forward for the Concourse E project and for the future of MKE,” Airport Director Brian Dranzik said in a statement. “This investment allows us to modernize our facilities, improve the passenger experience, and support the long-term growth of air service in Milwaukee.”

The project is expected to cost approximately $92.5 million. The airport largely finances infrastructure projects through bonds, which are repaid with revenue from the major air carriers that use the facility.

“Our local airports are vital hubs that connect businesses and visitors throughout the Badger State,” U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said in a statement Tuesday. “As our communities grow, our airports need to be ready to handle increased traffic and keep travelers safe. I was proud to support these investments so our airports can grow and serve our communities, businesses, and visitors for years to come.”

The new terminal was designed by Alliance, a Minneapolis-based architecture firm, and construction is being led by Findorff. The new terminal will have a capacity of 400 passengers and two gates.

Planning for the new terminal began in 2015. The airport initially planned to begin construction in 2020, budgeting $55 million for the project that year. But it was put on hold by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent inflation raised costs.

The existing terminal is only able to handle arrivals and is undersized for a modern airport terminal. Modern planes used for long international flights have a greater passenger capacity than the terminal.

“The new international terminal is vital for the future of our regional economy,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “By making this project a reality, I am proud we are creating jobs, opening a new front door for visitors into our community, and providing major benefits to Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin for years to come.”

New Terminal Renderings

Concourse E

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