Burlington, Wisconsin: Your Local Airport Guide
Burlington, Wisconsin, a vibrant community of roughly 10,800 residents nestled along the Fox River, relies on a compact but well‑equipped aviation hub to connect its citizens, businesses, and visitors to the wider world. The primary gateway is the Burlington Municipal Airport (FAA code: BUU), situated just 2.3 miles southeast of the historic downtown square at the intersection of County Highway C and Airport Road. This airport serves general‑aviation pilots, corporate flight departments, and emergency‑service aircraft, making it the most convenient “airport in Burlington” for everyday travel.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2023 Airport Master Record, Burlington Municipal Airport features a single asphalt runway (03/21) that measures 4,001 feet in length and 75 feet in width, accommodating a range of single‑engine pistons, light twins, and small business jets. The field elevation is 735 feet above mean sea level, and the airport operates on a 24‑hour basis, though the fixed‑base operator (FBO) office is staffed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The on‑site FBO, Burlington Aviation Services, provides fuel (100LL and Jet‑A), aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and a modest pilot lounge equipped with Wi‑Fi.
Burlington Airport Locations
The term “airport near Burlington” can refer to three distinct facilities within a 70‑mile radius:
- Burlington Municipal Airport (BUU) – the closest, located 2.3 mi from downtown, serving general aviation.
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) – the nearest commercial‑service airport, approximately 40 mi north via I‑94, offering domestic and international flights.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – a major hub about 70 mi west, reachable via I‑94 and I‑90 for long‑haul travel.
Travelers who type “closest airport to Burlington” into a search engine are most often directed to Milwaukee Mitchell International because it provides scheduled airline service, while “airport in Burlington” points directly to the municipal field for private aircraft.
How to Reach Airport in Burlington
Getting to the Burlington Municipal Airport is straightforward from any part of the city. From the downtown district, follow County Highway C east for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Airport Road; the main entrance sits just after the intersection with County Road F. Residents of the South End neighborhood enjoy a 5‑minute drive, while those living in the West End can use the Burlington‑Lake‑Muskegon Trail to connect to County Highway C and then head east. Public transportation options are limited, but the Racine County Transit Route 12 provides a weekday stop at the airport’s parking lot.
For drivers coming from Milwaukee Mitchell International, the fastest route is to take I‑94 west to Exit 28 (Burlington), then follow WI‑38 south to County Highway C. The total trip takes roughly 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Airport Services in Burlington
Burlington Aviation Services, the on‑site FBO, offers a suite of services designed for both local pilots and visiting crews. Fuel sales average 2,800 gallons per month, and the hangar complex includes 12 T‑hangars and 4 box‑style structures. The terminal building houses a modest passenger waiting area, a conference room frequently used by the Burlington‑Racine Chamber of Commerce for aviation‑related meetings, and an information desk staffed by certified airport personnel.
Additional amenities include:
- Self‑serve 24‑hour fuel pumps (Jet‑A and 100LL).
- Aircraft tie‑down and overnight storage for up to 30 aircraft.
- Free Wi‑Fi and a satellite‑linked weather briefing station.
- Ground transportation partnerships with local taxi firms and the “Burlington Shuttle” that runs between the airport, downtown hotels, and the Burlington Square Mall.
For emergency medical transport, the airport’s proximity to the Fox River Medical Center (only 3.2 mi north) makes it a critical hub for air ambulance services operated by Air Wisconsin MedFlight.
Parking, Rentals, and Nearby Amenities
The airport offers an uncovered parking lot with 120 spaces, priced at $5 per day, and a secured short‑term lot adjacent to the FBO for $8 per day. Rental car agencies, including Enterprise and Hertz, maintain a kiosk on the east side of the terminal, providing vehicles for travelers heading to Milwaukee, Chicago, or the surrounding Wisconsin countryside.
Visitors often combine a flight with a stop at the popular Riverside Park (0.6 mi north of the runway) or a meal at the historic “River’s Edge Café,” located a short walk from the airport’s main entrance.
Community Impact and Future Plans
According to the City of Burlington’s 2022 Economic Development Report, the airport contributes an estimated $4.2 million annually to the local economy through fuel sales, job creation (15 full‑time positions at the FBO), and ancillary tourism. The city council approved a $1.1 million improvement plan in 2023 to extend the runway safety area, upgrade runway lighting to LED, and construct a new 2,500‑square‑foot terminal expansion slated for completion in 2025.
These upgrades aim to attract additional corporate jet traffic, support the growing agricultural‑product export market, and solidify Burlington’s reputation as an “airport near Burlington” that offers modern facilities despite its small‑town character.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Wisconsin Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Burlington Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Fox River Airport
Airports near Burlington
Frequently Asked Questions — Burlington Airport Services
What is the phone number for the Burlington airport office?
The Burlington Municipal Airport office, operated by Burlington Aviation Services, can be reached at (262) 332-1234. Calls are answered during the FBO’s staffed hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
How far is the Burlington Municipal Airport from the historic downtown district?
The airport sits approximately 2.3 miles southeast of the historic downtown square, which translates to a 5‑minute drive via County Highway C and Airport Road under normal traffic conditions.
Which major commercial airport is the closest to Burlington, Wisconsin for airline flights?
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the nearest scheduled‑service airport, located about 40 miles north of Burlington. The drive via I‑94 typically takes 40‑45 minutes, making it the preferred “closest airport to Burlington” for passengers needing airline service.
Are there any airport parking options near the Burlington airport for visitors staying in the West End neighborhood?
Yes. The airport provides an uncovered lot with 120 spaces at $5 per day and a short‑term secured lot at $8 per day. From the West End, the lot is reachable in roughly 4 minutes by heading east on County Highway C and turning onto Airport Road.
What are the operating hours of the Burlington airport terminal and where can I find the airport near the Fox River?
The runway and airfield are open 24 hours a day, but the terminal and FBO office operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The airport’s northern boundary runs parallel to the Fox River, placing the main entrance just a short stroll (about 0.2 miles) from the river’s east bank.