MADISON, Wis. — The Dane County Regional Airport welcomed Breeze Airways with daily nonstop flights from Madison to Tampa, Florida on Wednesday.
Michael Riechers is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the airport and he said this is a sign of its continued growth after flights were impacted by the pandemic.
“In 2023 we just finished those numbers and it was our third busiest year ever on record, so it is a really strong comeback from the pandemic,” said Riechers.
This is the second big change to come to the airport in the past year.
The first was an expansion last summer where the airport added 90,000 square feet and six new gates.
“Were up to 16 gates total for the airport, which again is the most gates we have ever had. We are the biggest we have ever been in our history,” said Riechers.
Katherine Westaby and her family fly out of the DCRA instead of using the Milwaukee airport because it is more convenient.
“Ya, it is a little pricey, but it is convenient. When you come back from your vacation, you don’t want an extra hour added to get home,” said Westaby.
Westaby and her family also like the local feel and small crowds that the airport provides.
“It is not as busy either right, it is easy to get in and out. Parking is easy,” said Westaby. “The speed of the TSA. No other airport is this fast.”
The new Breeze Airways nonstop service to Orlando will begin Feb. 14, and nonstop service to Los Angeles will begin May 22.