MILWAUKEE (October 5, 2026) – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is officially celebrating its 100th anniversary today, marking a century of connecting Milwaukee and Wisconsin travelers to destinations around the world.
On October 5, 1926, Milwaukee County purchased the private Hamilton Airport and renamed it Milwaukee County Airport. Over the next century, MKE grew from a small airfield with grass runways into a major transportation hub that has welcomed more than 300 million passengers while supporting tourism, jobs, economic development, and connections throughout the region.
“MKE has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the people we serve. As we celebrate this milestone, I want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey, especially our employees, whose work keeps this airport moving every single day,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “Reaching 100 years is an accomplishment that places MKE among a remarkable group of American airports whose histories stretch back to the earliest days of commercial aviation.”
As MKE enters its second century, ongoing investments like the redevelopment of Concourse E and the new Air Cargo Center, are positioning the Airport for continued growth while enhancing the travel experience for generations to come.
For 100 years, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has been connecting travelers to destinations across the country and around the world. Today, MKE offers nonstop flights to more than 30 U.S. cities, with access to over 200 international destinations available via one convenient connection. The airport is served by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United. A complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.
MKE, the recipient of the 2021 and 2022 ASQ Best Airport – North America awards for outstanding customer experience, is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. MKE is funded entirely by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or day-to-day operation.
