News Summary
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has officially initiated the redevelopment of Concourse E, aimed at enhancing its international passenger processing capacity. The project will replace the outdated International Arrivals Terminal, tripling the current processing rate from 140 to 400 passengers per hour. With an estimated cost of $95.2 million, the redevelopment will not utilize property tax dollars and is expected to create around 250 jobs. The modernized concourse is anticipated to be operational by late 2027, addressing the growing demand for international travel and bolstering Milwaukee’s economic landscape.
Milwaukee – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport officially broke ground on its long-awaited Concourse E redevelopment project on September 16, 2025. This ambitious venture aims to replace the existing International Arrivals Terminal and significantly enhance the airport’s international passenger processing capabilities.
The redevelopment project is designed to triple the airport’s current processing capacity for international travelers, increasing it from 140 passengers per hour to an impressive 400 passengers per hour. The new 70,000 square foot concourse will replace the outdated facilities that have been non-operational since 2017, paving the way for modern advancements aimed at improving the passenger experience.
Finances for the project, which have escalated from an initial $55 million estimate to $95.2 million, are largely supported through various funding sources including $13.5 million in federal funding, airport development funds, passenger facility charges, and backed bonds. Notably, the project will not utilize any property tax dollars, ensuring that the financial burden remains on the airport’s operational revenue streams.
The construction of the new concourse is expected to create approximately 250 jobs, providing a boost to the local economy. It will include a contemporary U.S. Customs facility aimed at making international arrivals smoother and more efficient. Not only will operational efficiency improve, as airlines will be able to handle both domestic and international flights from the same gate, but the design will also incorporate environmentally friendly features such as green roofs and solar shading.
Project Timeline and Impact
The new Concourse E is anticipated to be ready for operational use around November or December 2027. It is projected to serve over 175,000 international passengers annually, responding to the growing demand for travel and bolstering Milwaukee’s connectivity to global destinations. Currently, the airport operates limited international flights, and the redevelopment seeks to attract airlines interested in expanding their services from Milwaukee.
The terminal’s closure has restricted operations to Concourses C and D since 2017, alongside a separate International Arrivals Terminal. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger traffic has seen a significant drop, causing some delays in the project timeline; however, planning for this redevelopment has been ongoing since at least 2016, receiving the necessary funding approvals from the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors over the years.
Modern Amenities and Sustainable Design
Beyond enhanced processing capabilities, the new concourse will feature modern amenities catered to passenger comfort, including family and nursing restrooms as well as pet relief areas. The emphasis on sustainable design showcases the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility. These advancements in airport operations are likely to foster greater economic opportunities and stronger international ties for the Milwaukee region, according to county officials.
This redevelopment is not just about improving an aging infrastructure; it represents a strategic effort to bolster Milwaukee’s economic landscape by enhancing its ability to meet the needs of international travelers. With the anticipated growth in travel demand and the introduction of modern facilities, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is set to transform into a more competitive hub for air travel in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Concourse E Project to Modernize Milwaukee Airport
- JSONline: What to Know About Milwaukee Airport’s New International Terminal
- Urban Milwaukee: Airport Begins New International Terminal Project
- Google Search: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
