United, Air Canada Switch Concourses at MKE

Two airlines serving MKE, United Airlines and Air Canada, will relocate from Concourse E to Concourse C to help lay the groundwork for a long-term airport redevelopment project.

Air Canada is expected to relocate to Concourse C in mid-August, followed by United Airlines in early September.  The relocation timeline is subject to change, and travelers flying on either airline should always check MKE’s Flight Information Displays to confirm the correct gate location for their specific flight.

This is the first step in a multi-layered process leading to construction of a new International Terminal on the site of the current Concourse E, the smallest of MKE’s three concourses.  A construction timeline has not yet been established, as the project is still in the planning stages.

Concourse C offers more restaurants, shops, and other passenger amenities compared to the current gate locations on Concourse E.  The number of gates utilized by United Airlines and Air Canada will remain at three and one, respectively.  The Airport is working with TSA to ensure the efficient transfer of staff and equipment to handle the increased demand at Concourse C.

Efficiencies will be realized by the current retail and restaurant operators, Paradies Lagardère and HMSHost.  Both vendors are expected to maintain the same number of employees, as these employees will be needed to serve the influx of passengers using Concourse C once United and Air Canada relocate.

“I’m sure our passengers and airlines will appreciate that we are taking the initial steps necessary to eventually improve the international arrival experience here at MKE,” Director Bonilla said.  “Any traveler who has recently used our existing international facilities will tell you that we need significant improvements.”

The current International Arrivals Terminal is in a separate building, detached from the rest of the terminal complex.  The current facility is outdated, inconvenient, and requires either a shuttle or a lengthy walk to access the main terminal and parking garage.