Milwaukee County employees must use Mitchell International Airport for business flights, according to new policy

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For National Travel and Tourism Week, Milwaukee County aims to set an example, by supporting Mitchell International Airport over larger ones outside of Wisconsin.

"These dollars get to stay right here. I am not looking to support Illinois' economy or Chicago's economy," said Milwaukee County executive David Crowley.

Crowley announced a new policy Monday, requiring all county employees flying for business to begin and end their travel at Mitchell International Airport.

"We are the proud owners and operators of this airport, and if we want to see the investment, we have to start putting our money where our mouth is," Crowley said.

The policy, along with National Travel and Tourism Week, comes as airlines face criticism for their service, post-pandemic.

"There are some issues with the airline industry in terms of crews and available aircraft, and things of that nature," said Brian Dranzik, director of Mitchell International Airport.

Mitchell airport is drawing a line between their services and airline issues.

"Planes are full, so we're just waiting for the industry to kind of catch up and get more planes in here so we can carry more people in and out of Milwaukee," Dranzik said.

Despite travel woes nationwide, Mitchell Airport's numbers are already trending higher than last year.

"If I have a choice, I will always fly out of Milwaukee as opposed to Chicago. So much easier," said traveler Abby Odneal.

Crowley hopes higher demand will boost airlines' interest in MKE.

"Those flights can become cheaper, and we can see more flights, but we have to have the foot traffic and the amount of passengers in order to see those things in the future," Crowley said.

Mitchell International Airport served more than 5.5 million passengers last year, making a $3 billion annual impact.