MKE Sees Robust Passenger Increase

Passenger traffic at Milwaukee County’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) increased nearly 7 percent in the first quarter of 2018. Airport statistics released May 2, show that 1,758,697 passengers used MKE in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 6.9 percent from the same period in 2017.

New service from Allegiant, along with additional nonstop markets from Frontier and Delta, helped boost the passenger numbers, especially during the busy spring break travel period.

Alaska Airlines also added seats to Seattle, boosting its service from an E-175 jet to a larger Boeing 737 aircraft. Delta is planning a similar increase on its Seattle service in May. Southwest nonstops to Seattle, San Diego, and San Francisco resume in June. Alaska will also resume its Portland nonstop in June.

Southwest Airlines launched new service to Houston Hobby airport in March, while Frontier added new nonstops to Austin and Raleigh-Durham in April.

“All of the nonstop service additions are adding up to what will likely be a busy year at MKE,” Airport Director Brian Dranzik said. “We have more frequent flights to more nonstop destinations than any airport in Wisconsin. Our inexpensive parking, low air fares and easy travel experience make MKE the best choice for travelers from throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois.”