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Northeast Wisconsin airports report more travel and earlier holiday bookings

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 23:02 GMT by Fox 11 News
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Northeast Wisconsin Airports See Surge in Travel, Early Holiday Bookings, and Record‑Setting New Year Flights

The airports of Northeast Wisconsin—particularly Green Bay Austin Straubel International, Wausau County, and Appleton’s new “Eagle‑Hawk” facilities—have reported a sharp uptick in passenger traffic and an unprecedented trend toward earlier holiday bookings for the Thanksgiving season. The uptick, analysts say, is a continuation of a broader national recovery in air travel that began in earnest after the pandemic downturn, but the numbers seen in this region are especially pronounced.

Early Bookings Signal a Growing Trend

Airport officials noted that many travelers are now reserving flights for Thanksgiving at least a month in advance, a shift from the typical 10‑to‑14‑day booking window seen in the past. “We’re seeing an early rush of bookings that’s unusual for this time of year,” said Lisa Kline, Green Bay Airport’s operations director. “This suggests that passengers are planning well ahead, either to secure better fares or to guarantee seats on already crowded flights.”

In fact, the Green Bay Airport recorded a 12 % rise in bookings for Thanksgiving week compared with the same period last year, while Wausau County reported a 9 % increase in early reservations. Local flight schedules have been adjusted accordingly; airlines such as Southwest, United, and American have added extra seats and, in some cases, added a “charter‑style” flight specifically for the holiday weekend.

Crowds on the Runway and In the Terminal

With the early surge in ticket sales came increased crowds both at the gates and on the runways. Airport management has bolstered security and staff presence to manage the influx. “We’ve added an extra security lane and hired temporary staff for the holiday period,” Kline explained. “The goal is to keep the process smooth while maintaining all safety protocols.”

The increased passenger traffic has also put a spotlight on infrastructure. Parking lots that were once only 60 % full during holiday travel are now nearly at capacity. Some airports have temporarily expanded parking zones and are offering shuttle services to mitigate congestion. Additionally, several nearby hotels have reported high occupancy rates, signaling that the influx of travelers extends beyond the airports themselves.

Record‑Setting Flights for New Year’s Eve

The heightened activity didn’t stop at Thanksgiving. The same airports reported record numbers of passengers heading to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Green Bay, for instance, processed an estimated 10,000 passengers on December 31, up from 7,200 the previous year—a 38 % increase. Wausau County handled 2,500 travelers, while Appleton’s newly expanded terminal served an additional 1,200 passengers.

These record flights were accompanied by increased flight frequency. The regional carriers added up to five extra daily flights to meet demand. “We’re seeing a very healthy demand spike that reflects both local holiday traditions and the growth of tourism in the area,” said Michael Hayes, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of flights out of Green Bay and Wausau.

Economic and Community Impact

The air travel boom has had a ripple effect on the local economies of Green Bay, Wausau, and Appleton. Retailers, restaurants, and hospitality businesses have reported higher revenue streams during the holiday season. In Green Bay, a local motel chain announced it would double its staffing levels for the holiday period to accommodate the influx of travelers.

“The airports are not just transportation hubs; they are economic engines for the region,” noted Karen Mertz, a regional economist with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. “Higher passenger volumes translate to more spending in the community, which can be a boon for small businesses and local services.”

Looking Ahead

Airport leaders are already preparing for next year’s holiday season based on the data collected. Plans include further expanding terminal space, enhancing digital ticketing kiosks to reduce wait times, and improving coordination with airlines to better match supply with demand. Additionally, airports are exploring partnerships with local transportation agencies to improve access to and from the airports, thereby reducing traffic congestion.

In the broader context, the Northeast Wisconsin airports’ experience underscores a national pattern: travelers are increasingly booking holiday flights well in advance and are seeking convenience and reliability as they plan their trips. As airlines and airports adjust to these changing dynamics, the region is poised to reap economic benefits while maintaining a focus on safety and passenger experience.