Appleton International Airport broke its own travel records in 2023 with total passenger arrivals and departures of 967,687, representing an increase of 14.2 percent over 2023.
This made ATW the fastest growing airport in the state according to TSA numbers. In 2022, the airport welcomed 846,840 passengers.
Airport officials reviewed travel statistics from 2013, a year in which 483,317 passengers traveled through Appleton, showing passenger totals have doubled in the last 10 years. The number of private planes landing at the Appleton Flight Center increased 15% in 2023 to a total of 16,977.
“This outstanding growth is fostered by our relationships with our airline partners and ongoing support from the region,” said Appleton Airport Director Abe Weber. “Area residents are supporting nonstop flights because air travel is more convenient through Appleton.”
Airlines increased the number of seats departing and returning to Appleton throughout 2023. American Airlines added 36.2% more flights in 2023 vs 2022 and 30.6% more seats over the same time period. The Appleton Airport is served by American, Delta, United and Allegiant Airlines.
In 2023, three additional nonstop routes were announced; Portland, Oregon (which began in May 2023) New York/Newark (beginning May 2024), and Dallas/DFW (beginning June 2024). Nonstop routes now include:
- Portland, Oregon
- Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Savannah/Hilton Head, Georgia
- Flights to Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Chicago
- Minneapolis/St. Paul
- Detroit
- Denver
- Dallas (DFW)
- New York/Newark
“We anticipate the increase in nonstop destinations and our planned terminal expansion will help us top the one-million mark in arrivals and departures in future years,” Weber said.
On the heels of passenger growth, the Federal Aviation Administration announced the airport will receive $3.42 million to fund part of the concourse expansion project. The airport broke round in 2023 on a $66 million, 47,000-square-foot expansion of the main concourse slated for phased completion starting in late 2025. The grant will partially fund the construction of passenger boarding bridges, a solar/sustainability project, and additional mechanical equipment. The first phase of the terminal expansion will include:
- Expansion to 10 gates
- A connector between existing gates and new gates, plus expanded areas for boarding and a variety of seating options.
- A biergarten and an additional bar/restaurant in the gate area for ticketed passengers.
- Ramps to ensure easy access.
- Expanded restroom facilities, a sensory support room, a quiet room, and a pet relief area.
Future construction phases will expand ticketing and baggage claim areas and refresh existing concourse areas in the airport. For more information on construction progress, visit https://atwairport.com/elevate/
“The airport growth is truly transformative,” said Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson. “It reflects overall development in the Fox Valley making it a region where jobs, business, infrastructure, and quality of life are on a path for continued success.”
