Milwaukee Live Cam

General Mitchell International Airport is a civil-military airport located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. It was named after General William "Billy" Mitchell, who was known as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s.

The first commercial flight from Milwaukee took place on October 21, 1926. The flight was operated by National Air Transport and flew from Milwaukee to Chicago. The airport was initially called Milwaukee County Airport and was located on what is now the General Mitchell Air Reserve Station.

In 1941, the airport was renamed General Billy Mitchell Field to honor General Mitchell's contributions to aviation. During World War II, the airport served as an important training center for military pilots. In the postwar era, the airport underwent a number of improvements, including the construction of new runways and terminals.

In the 1970s and 1980s, General Mitchell International Airport became a hub for Midwest Express Airlines, which operated flights to destinations throughout the Midwest and the East Coast. The airport continued to expand throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with the construction of a new international terminal and the addition of several new airlines and destinations.

Today, General Mitchell International Airport is the largest airport in Wisconsin and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines. The airport handles over 6 million passengers annually and offers nonstop flights to over 50 destinations throughout the United States and Mexico.

Historical Facts

• During World War II, the airport served as a major center for military aviation. It was home to the 440th Airlift Wing, which operated transport planes and played a vital role in the war effort.
• In 1955, General Mitchell International Airport became the first airport in the United States to provide regularly scheduled jet airline service. The service was operated by United Airlines and used Boeing 707 aircraft.
• In 1985, the airport's iconic "Milwaukee" sign was installed on top of the airport's parking garage. The sign, which stands 36 feet tall and is visible from miles away, has become a symbol of the city and the airport.
• In 2005, the airport completed a $100 million renovation project, which included the construction of a new international terminal and the renovation of the existing terminals. The project was aimed at improving the airport's facilities and increasing its capacity to handle more passengers.
• General Mitchell International Airport has a rich aviation history, with several notable aviation firsts. In 1919, the first nonstop transcontinental flight took off from the airport. In 1926, the first scheduled air mail flight in the United States departed from the airport. And in 1963, the airport was the site of the first successful hijacking of a U.S. commercial aircraft.

Expansion

General Mitchell International Airport has undergone several expansion projects over the years to meet the growing demand for air travel and improve passenger experience. Here are some examples of the airport's expansion projects:

• International Terminal Expansion: In 2005, the airport completed a $45 million expansion of its international terminal. The expansion added more gates, improved baggage handling facilities, and created a larger customs area to accommodate the growing number of international travelers.
• Concourse D Expansion: In 2015, the airport completed a $52 million expansion of Concourse D. The project added five new gates, a new baggage carousel, and more seating and concessions to the concourse.
• Parking Structure Expansion: In 2019, the airport completed a $55 million expansion of its parking garage. The expansion added 1,500 new parking spaces, improved traffic flow, and added new amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations.
• Terminal Modernization: In 2021, the airport announced a $10 million project to modernize its terminal facilities. The project includes upgrades to the terminal's HVAC systems, restrooms, and concessions, as well as the installation of new flooring and lighting.
• Runway Expansion: The airport is currently working on a $110 million project to extend one of its runways by 3000 feet. The runway extension will allow the airport to accommodate larger planes and attract new airlines and destinations. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.

Facilities

General Mitchell International Airport offers a variety of facilities and amenities for passengers to enhance their travel experience. Here are some of the key facilities and amenities available at the airport:

• Terminals: General Mitchell International Airport has three main passenger terminals - the Main Terminal, Concourse C, and Concourse D. Each terminal offers a range of services, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
• Ground Transportation: The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, and public transportation. The airport is served by several bus routes, including the Milwaukee County Transit System and the Amtrak Hiawatha Service.
• Parking: General Mitchell International Airport has several parking options, including a parking garage, surface lots, and valet parking. The airport also offers a cell phone lot for drivers who are waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
• Food and Beverage: The airport has a wide range of dining options, including sit-down restaurants, fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and bars. The airport also has several grab-and-go options for passengers who are in a hurry.
• Shopping: General Mitchell International Airport has a variety of shops and boutiques, including gift shops, newsstands, and duty-free shops. The airport also has several convenience stores where passengers can purchase snacks and other essentials.
• Lounges: The airport has several lounges that are available to passengers, including the Delta Sky Club, the United Club, and the Recharge Lounge. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and complimentary food and beverages.
• Wi-Fi: General Mitchell International Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Passengers can connect to the airport's Wi-Fi network to stay connected and browse the internet while they wait for their flight.

Ground transportation

General Mitchell International Airport offers several ground transportation options for passengers to get to and from the airport. Here are some of the key options:

• Rental Cars: General Mitchell International Airport has several rental car companies located on-site, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Passengers can pick up and drop off rental cars at the Rental Car Center, which is located near the parking garage.
• Taxis and Rideshare Services: Passengers can also take a taxi or use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft to get to and from the airport. The airport has designated areas for taxis and rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Public Transportation: The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) provides bus service to and from General Mitchell International Airport. The airport is served by several bus routes, including Route 80, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Amtrak Hiawatha Service also provides service to the airport, with stops in Milwaukee and Chicago.
• Shuttle Services: Several shuttle services operate at the airport, providing transportation to and from hotels, businesses, and other destinations in the Milwaukee area.
• Limousine and Car Services: Passengers can also book a limousine or car service to get to and from the airport. Several companies provide these services, and reservations are recommended.

Regardless of the ground transportation option chosen, passengers are advised to allow plenty of time to get to the airport, especially during peak travel periods.

Military

General Mitchell International Airport has a rich military history, dating back to its origins as a military training base during World War II. Here are some key milestones in the airport's military history:

• World War II: General Mitchell International Airport was originally established as the Milwaukee Army Airfield in 1941, as part of a larger effort to expand the U.S. military's training capacity. During World War II, the airport was used to train pilots for the Army Air Forces, and served as a base for several fighter and bomber units.
• Korean War: In the early 1950s, General Mitchell International Airport was used as a staging area for troops and supplies heading to the Korean War. The airport was also used to train pilots for the Strategic Air Command, which was responsible for the U.S.'s nuclear deterrence.
• Cold War: During the Cold War, General Mitchell International Airport continued to play an important role in U.S. national defense. The airport was a key installation for the Air National Guard, which operated fighter and transport aircraft from the airport.
• Gulf War: In 1991, General Mitchell International Airport was used as a staging area for troops and supplies heading to the Persian Gulf War. The airport also served as a base for several Air National Guard units that were deployed to the region.
• Homeland Defense: After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, General Mitchell International Airport became an important hub for homeland defense. The airport was a key installation for the Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing, which provided aerial refueling support for military operations around the world.

Today, General Mitchell International Airport continues to serve as an important military installation, with several military units operating from the airport. The airport also plays a key role in supporting military personnel and their families as they travel to and from deployments and assignments around the world.