Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is gearing up for the Republican National Convention this summer.
Airlines are adding more flights and upgrading to larger aircraft while the airport is adding staff and volunteers to accommodate the expected influx of travelers for the convention.
“The Republican National Convention is an extremely important opportunity for us to showcase Milwaukee on an international level,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said. “For many, the 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.”
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The RNC runs July 15-18, with an estimated 50,000 visitors, including 15,000 media members, expected to descend on the Milwaukee area. The RNC is expected to create a direct and indirect economic impact of around $200 million, according to the Milwaukee Host Committee.
“We expect to see a considerable uptick in travelers this July as we welcome RNC attendees from across the country,” Airport Direct Brian Dranzik said. “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 International Airport, two from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and two from Denver International Airport.
- American Airlines will add a nonstop roundtrip flight from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Similar schedules will be in place for departing flights on July 19 following the conclusion of the convention.
Along with the new flights, other flights will be upgraded to larger aircraft:
- United will upgrade some of its existing Newark Liberty International Airport 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, D.C., service during the peak arrival and departure days.
Milwaukee Mitchell is also making improvements and adding amenities to boost the airport experience for travelers headed to and 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 new Dunkin Donuts location, also on Concourse D. Other improvements, like updated way-finding signage and new carpeting, are also being implemented.
While the RNC has prompted additional air service to and from Milwaukee, airlines are also adding flights at Mitchell to accommodate an increase in general travel demand:
- Frontier Airlines began nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport on May 16.
- Spirit Airlines recently announced new nonstop flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport beginning July 11.
- Alaska Airlines recently increased to twice-daily service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- JetBlue increased its daily Boston Logan International Airport flights to a larger aircraft.
