Where is mke airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is located at 5300 S. Howell Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, approximately 8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee. The airport serves as Wisconsin's primary commercial airport, handling over 6 million passengers annually and operating with two main runways.

Key Facts

Located at 5300 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Approximately 8 miles (13 km) south of downtown Milwaukee
Handles over 6 million passengers annually
Operates with two main runways: 1L/19R (9,900 ft) and 7/25 (6,839 ft)
Serves as Wisconsin's primary commercial airport

Overview

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) serves as Wisconsin's primary commercial aviation facility, strategically positioned in the southeastern part of the state. The airport traces its origins to 1920 when it began operations as Hamilton Airport, later renamed in honor of General Billy Mitchell, a Milwaukee native and aviation pioneer. Today, MKE functions as a vital transportation hub connecting the Milwaukee metropolitan area to domestic and international destinations through major airlines including Southwest, Delta, American, and United.

The airport's development accelerated during World War II when it served as a military training base, contributing to its expansion into a modern aviation facility. Following the war, commercial operations resumed and grew steadily, with significant terminal expansions in the 1950s and 1980s. MKE's current configuration includes the main terminal building with concourses C, D, and E, serving both domestic and limited international flights to destinations like Canada and Mexico.

How It Works

Milwaukee Mitchell International operates as a medium-hub airport with comprehensive passenger and cargo services.

Terminal Layout and Operations: The airport features a single terminal building with three concourses (C, D, and E) containing 44 gates total. Concourse C primarily serves Southwest Airlines with 16 gates, while Concourses D and E handle other carriers including Delta, American, and United. The terminal operates 24/7 with security checkpoints opening at 4:00 AM daily, processing approximately 15,000 passengers during peak travel days.
Runway Configuration: MKE operates with two primary runways: Runway 1L/19R measures 9,900 feet (3,018 meters) and serves as the main runway for commercial jets, while Runway 7/25 measures 6,839 feet (2,084 meters) for regional aircraft and general aviation. The airport handles approximately 300 daily operations including commercial flights, cargo services, and general aviation, with air traffic control operating from a 165-foot tower.
Ground Transportation Network: The airport connects to Milwaukee via multiple transportation options including the GO Airport Shuttle operating 24/7, Milwaukee County Transit System Route 80 providing hourly service to downtown, and taxi/rideshare services from designated pickup areas. Parking facilities include over 8,000 spaces across short-term, long-term, and economy lots, with rates starting at $2 per hour in short-term parking.
Cargo and Support Operations: MKE serves as a significant cargo hub with facilities handling over 100,000 tons of freight annually. Major cargo operators include FedEx, UPS, and DHL, with dedicated facilities on the airport's west side. The airport also hosts Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing and maintains extensive deicing capabilities during winter months.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE)	Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Distance to Downtown	8 miles (13 km)	17 miles (27 km)
Annual Passengers	6.2 million (2023)	73.9 million (2023)
Number of Runways	2 primary runways	8 runways
Parking Rates (Daily)	$12 economy, $20 short-term	$25 economy, $42 short-term
Major Airlines	Southwest, Delta, American	United, American, Delta, Southwest
International Destinations	Canada, Mexico, seasonal Caribbean	Over 60 countries worldwide

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: MKE generates approximately $1.5 billion in annual economic activity for southeastern Wisconsin, supporting over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airport serves as a critical logistics hub for Wisconsin's manufacturing sector, particularly for industries requiring just-in-time delivery of components and finished goods.
Regional Connectivity: As Wisconsin's primary commercial airport, MKE provides essential air service to a region of over 1.5 million residents in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The airport offers non-stop service to 35 domestic destinations and seasonal international flights, reducing the need for residents to travel to Chicago for air travel by approximately 40%.
Transportation Infrastructure: MKE forms a crucial component of Wisconsin's multimodal transportation network, connecting air travel with highway systems (I-94, I-43), rail connections, and port facilities. The airport's location near major interstate highways facilitates efficient cargo distribution throughout the upper Midwest region.

Looking forward, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport continues to evolve with planned terminal renovations and technology upgrades aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. The airport authority's 2025 strategic plan includes expanding international service capabilities and implementing sustainable aviation initiatives, positioning MKE to meet growing regional demand while maintaining its role as a vital economic engine for Wisconsin's future development.