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MORE FLIGHTS AND LARGER PLANES: MKE PREPARES FOR
2024 RNC AMIDST BUSY SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON
Airlines to offer additional flights on peak days
MILWAUKEE (June 10, 2024) – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is
gearing up for the summer travel season as Milwaukee prepares to host the 2024
Republican National Convention this July. Airlines are adding more flights and
upgrading to larger aircraft while MKE is planning for additional staffing and volunteers
to accommodate the expected influx of travelers.
“The Republican National Convention is an extremely important opportunity for us to
showcase Milwaukee on an international level,” said Milwaukee County Executive David
Crowley. “For many, MKE Airport will be the first impression of our city, and I’m
extremely proud of the work being done by our entire Airport team to give travelers a
positive and memorable experience.”
“We expect to see a considerable uptick in travelers this July as we welcome RNC
attendees from across the country,” said Airport Direct Brian Dranzik. “Not only are the
airlines adding flights and increasing the number of seats in and out of Milwaukee, but
we’re working to increase our staffing and make improvements onsite for a better airport
experience.”
On the peak arrival days leading up to the convention:
• United Airlines will add eight nonstop roundtrip flights from Washington-Dulles
(IAD), two from Washington-National (DCA), and two from Denver (DEN).
• American Airlines will add a nonstop roundtrip flight from New York-LaGuardia
(LGA). Similar schedules will be in place for departing flights on Friday, July 19
after the convention ends.
Along with the new flights, other flights will be upgraded to larger aircraft:
• United will upgrade some of its existing Newark and Chicago flights from
regional jets to full-size mainline aircraft to accommodate additional passengers
connecting in those cities.
• American will use larger aircraft for its existing Washington, DC service during
the peak arrival and departure days.
Because these new flights and larger planes operate in both directions, they not only
make it easier for RNC attendees to access Milwaukee, but they also empower local
travelers with more choices. Those in Milwaukee can fly in reverse of the convention
dates to escape the crowds and take advantage of additional nonstop flights to various
U.S. cities.
While the RNC has prompted additional air service to and from Milwaukee, flight
additions surrounding the RNC are not the only increases MKE has to offer those
planning to fly this summer:
• Frontier Airlines began nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and
Philadelphia (PHL) on May 16.
• Spirit Airlines recently announced new nonstop flights to Dallas-Fort Worth
(DFW) beginning July 11.
• Alaska Airlines recently increased to twice-daily service to Seattle (SEA).
• JetBlue increased its daily Boston (BOS) flights to a larger aircraft.
MKE is also making improvements and adding amenities to provide the best possible
airport experience for travelers headed to or from Milwaukee. The Airport recently
opened MKE Lakeshore Supply, a new expanded retail and snack location, on
Concourse D. In early July, the Airport will add a brand-new Dunkin Donuts location,
also on Concourse D. Other improvements like updated wayfinding signage and new
carpeting are all underway.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers nonstop flights to 35+ destinations coast-to-coast, and
more than 200 international destinations are available with one easy connection. MKE is served by
Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. The complete list
of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.
MKE, the winner of 2021 and 2022 ASQ Best Airport – North America awards for outstanding customer
experience, is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport
Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of
Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s
capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.
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