Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport adds new concourse for international flights

Construction for a $95 million redevelopment project for a new concourse at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport is underway as of Tuesday.

International arrivals at the airport currently come through the International Arrivals Building, a facility that is separate from the main terminal.

“It’s not connected to the main terminal complex, so that’s not the most convenient. Not the best experience for our travelers,” said Harold Mester, a spokesperson for the airport.

The building opened in 1975, according to the project website.

The reconstruction project, which is set to be completed in 2027, will include the demolition of Concourse E and the construction of a new concourse at that site with two gates that can be used for both international and domestic flights.

“So when you arrive as an international passenger in the new facility, you’re going to be connected to the main terminal, with access to the parking garage, all of the ground transportation options,” Mester said. “That’s not an easy experience today.” 

Concourse E opened in 1969 but has been vacant since 2017 due to recent airline mergers and consolidations, Mester said.

“The replacement of Concourse E will benefit travelers, local business and the community as a whole,” Milwaukee County Airport Director Brian Dranzik said during a Tuesday morning press conference. 

The new facility will be approximately 68,000 square feet.

The new structure will have two jet bridges capable of processing up to 400 arriving passengers per hour — nearly triple the current capacity of 140, according to the airport.

The project will be funded through airport revenue and bonding and $13.5 million in federal funding, according to a statement from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The airport, although owned and operated by Milwaukee County, does not use property tax dollars for day-to-day operations.

Mester said the airport sees a majority of its international service from December to April. That mainly includes non-stop flights to and from Mexico and countries in the Caribbean. 

“Now, certainly there could be airlines that look at adding additional flights internationally or domestically from this airport,” Mester said.

The project is expected to create around 200 construction jobs, according to airport officials. Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor said he’s pleased about the job creation, as well as the prospect of more travelers coming to Milwaukee. 

“I think it’s just going to bring more passengers into Milwaukee County, into the state of Wisconsin,” Taylor said. “So it’s going to help with tourism. It’s going to help our local economy.”