Austin Straubel International Airport

Austin Straubel International Airport
source
Name	Austin Straubel International Airport
Iata	GRB
Icao	KGRB
Type	Public
Owner	Brown County
Operator	Brown County Airport Department
City-served	Green Bay
Location	Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin
Elevation-f	726
R1-number	18/36
R1-length-f	8,700
R1-surface	Asphalt/concrete
R2-number	6/24
R2-length-f	3,997
R2-surface	Asphalt

Austin Straubel International Airport is a public airport serving the Green Bay metropolitan area in northeastern Wisconsin. Located in Ashwaubenon and operated by Brown County, it functions as a regional hub connecting Green Bay Packers territory with domestic and limited international destinations. The airport plays a strategic role for Brown County, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and regional commerce linked to the Fox River corridor and Green Bay (Lake Michigan), while also supporting military, corporate, and general aviation activity.

History

The airport opened in 1928 and was later named for Austin Straubel, a World War II aviator and former resident of Green Bay, Wisconsin. During World War II the field supported United States Army Air Forces operations and later transitioned to civil use, aligning with postwar growth influenced by the Korean War era expansion of aviation. In the jet age the airport adapted to carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and regional affiliates such as SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways under brands including American Eagle and Delta Connection. Economic ties with manufacturers like Kraft Foods, Georgia-Pacific, Nicolet Plastics, and shipping by JB Hunt and Schneider National helped justify runway extensions and terminal upgrades in the late 20th century. The facility has interacted with federal programs overseen by Federal Aviation Administration grants and Transportation Security Administration security mandates, and it has hosted delegation visits from figures such as Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker during funding campaigns.

Facilities and infrastructure

The airport sits on property adjacent to Lambeau Field and the Brown County Arena complex, with two runways: a primary 18/36 runway and a secondary 6/24 runway. Terminal facilities include ticketing, TSA screening, gates, baggage systems, and a fixed-base operator serving corporate aircraft related to firms like Spectrum Brands and Schreiber Foods. Air traffic control coordination works with the Federal Aviation Administration and regional approach handled via the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center and nearby facilities like Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for diversion planning. Groundside infrastructure connects to Interstate 43 and U.S. Route 41, linking freight to the Port of Green Bay and rail terminals such as Green Bay and Western Railroad. Utilities and services are supported by agencies including Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Brown County Airport Department, and municipal partners from Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.

Airlines and destinations

Passenger airlines serving the airport have included legacy carriers and their regional affiliates: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, with regional operators Envoy Air, SkyWest Airlines, and Mesa Airlines operating under brands like American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. Seasonal and charter services have connected to hubs like Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Cargo operations link carriers and integrators such as FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, and connect local shippers to networks operated by Amazon Air partners and freight handlers like C.H. Robinson.

Passenger and cargo statistics

The airport's annual enplanement figures have fluctuated with national trends influenced by events including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Traffic statistics are monitored in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and Bureau of Transportation Statistics, reflecting changes in service from carriers such as Allegiant Air and network scheduling by Southwest Airlines in nearby markets. Cargo tonnage reflects regional manufacturing outputs from companies like Kellogg Company and agricultural shipments tied to University of Wisconsin–Green Bay research and Brown County Agricultural Society activities.

Ground transportation and access

Surface access is via Interstate 43, U.S. Route 41, and state highways maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Public transit connections include services by Green Bay Metro and shuttle providers linking to local hotels, Lambeau Field, and corporate campuses including Packers Pro Shop retail zones. Taxi, rideshare operators like Uber (company) and Lyft, Inc., and rental car companies including Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Holdings provide ground mobility. Freight access integrates with regional trucking firms such as Old Dominion Freight Line and rail interchange opportunities at the Canadian National Railway network.

Accidents and incidents

Recorded incidents at the airport have been investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and reported by agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration. Historical events include general aviation occurrences involving operators registered with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and rare air carrier incidents requiring coordination with Brown County Sheriff's Office and Wisconsin State Patrol. Safety initiatives have been informed by lessons from national occurrences like the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision and regulatory changes prompted by Airline Deregulation Act era adjustments.

Future developments and expansion plans

Planning documents coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and local stakeholders outline potential projects: runway rehabilitation, terminal modernization, apron expansion, and improved cargo facilities to serve partners such as Kohl's Corporation distribution and regional healthcare providers including Bellin Health. Proposed upgrades consider environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and funding through airport improvement grants similar to projects at General Mitchell International Airport and Dane County Regional Airport. Regional economic development groups including Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and educational institutions like University of Wisconsin System participate in planning to align aviation capacity with projected growth in sectors represented by Manitowoc Company and Acuity Insurance.

Category:Airports in Wisconsin Category:Buildings and structures in Brown County, Wisconsin