Our Journey Through the Decades
1963
Preliminary groundwork was started for a new airport on a site west of the City of Appleton, in the Town of Greenville.
1965
The Appleton airport opened with the 5,200-foot runway in December and four gates serving 3,535 passengers, with Air Wisconsin as the first airline.
2001
The terminal underwent its most extensive renovation and expansion adding 30,000 square feet in the gate area, more spacious seating areas with natural lighting, in floor heating, new passenger paging system, and five aircraft boarding bridges. A 6th bridge for larger planes was added later.
2011
The airport was one of ten nationwide airports selected to participate in an FAA airport sustainability project with a goal to make the airport 70% more energy efficient by 2030.
2013
The Appleton Flight Center Terminal is completed, a LEED-certified facility and features zero VOC finishes, a roof-mounted 26 kW photovoltaic system, a ground source heat pump, in-floor radiant conditioning, and a rainwater collection system. The terminal was the nation’s first airport terminal to achieve a net zero energy designation, receiving a Class D Net Zero Energy Building rating and is widely considered to be a leader in airport energy sustainability.
2014
The Outagamie County Board voted to rename the airport “Appleton International Airport”.
2017
The airport started a project to remodel the terminal with the addition of meeting space, a brand new restaurant with airfield views, remodeled/expanded security area, and remodeled check-in area.
2018
A report by Bloomberg News revealed that Appleton International Airport was the fourth fastest-growing airport in the US, with a 26.8% increase in passengers compared to two years prior.
2022
The airport handled just under 830,000 passengers, the most in its history.
2022
Airport officials announce $13 million in federal grants will be used to expand airport operations and Allegiant Air will add a third aircraft to serve passengers in and out of Appleton.
2023
The Appleton Flight Center celebrates 10 years in operation. The facility was originally responsible for $2 million in business and has grown to average $4 million annually. The growth continues with the construction of a fourth hangar to serve the increase in private air travel. The 26,250 square foot hangar will be completed by the end of 2023 at a cost $7.2 million and is funded through the 2022 CARES Act.
2023
Groundbreaking held for a $66 million, 47,000 square-foot expansion of the main concourse that will more than double the size of the airport. According to TSA data, the Appleton airport is the fastest growing airport in Wisconsin.
2023
American Airlines announces nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth. This marks 18 nonstop flights to major destinations nationwide.
2024
In March, the airport handled 100,800 passengers, its busiest month to date.
2024
For the first time in the history of the Appleton International Airport, inbound and outbound travelers have reached the one million mark in a single calendar year.
2025
ATW hosts an open house and dedication for new concourse, marking the completion of the first phase of construction. All three new gates opened in time for the 2025 Draft.
2025
An American Airlines nonstop route to Phoenix and an Allegiant nonstop route to Gulf Shores, Alabama make 20 nonstop destinations leaving ATW.
2025
Sun Country Airlines starts service as ATW’s fifth airline, with nonstop seasonal service to Fort Myers making this the 21st nonstop route out of ATW.
2025
ATW announces Allegiant will provide the airport’s 6th nonstop route to Florida, to Fort Myers.