International concourse to reopen at Mitchell International Airport more than 10 years after its final flight
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It’s known as the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, but instead of boarding the international concourse, you’ll find it boarded up instead.
Concourse E has been nonoperational for nearly eight years. Inside, there’s about 10 terminals, no running water, and it’s around 90°. All of that will be demolished pretty soon, to start construction for a new international concourse.
“An air service isn’t just about getting people from point A to point B. It’s about connecting Milwaukee County to the rest of the world,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Now this project is more than an airport upgrade. It’s an investment in the people of Milwaukee County.”
Milwaukee County is working to change that.
“The E concourse became underutilized and the last flight departed the E concourse in 2017,” said airport director Brian Dranzik.
A $95.2 million project will make Concourse E operational, more than 10 years after its last flight departed.
“I feel like it’s great that they’re finally doing something with it because our current international building is tiny,” said Chris Neill, traveler.
The concourse will have two flexible gates that can be used for both international and domestic flights. Airport officials say it’ll process up to 400 international arriving passengers per hour.
“That means more options for travelers, more visitors coming to Milwaukee County and more opportunities for local businesses in our community to grow and thrive,” said Crowley.
Travelers say with more options coming to Milwaukee's airport, the more likely they are to travel from it.
“One less connection I have to make is always a good thing in my book,” said Neill.
The new concourse is expected to open in late 2027.