Faster security, with less hassle, will be in place by the end of March at Willard Airport. Construction is nearly complete on a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Screening Checkpoint. The new checkpoint is in the former café/conference space on the 2nd level of the terminal, to the right of the escalators. This underutilized […]
Continue ReadingAmerican Airlines Celebrates 100 Years — Marking 72 Years at Willard and 85,406 Passengers in 2025
In 1926, it all started with a flight carrying mail from Chicago to St. Louis. And 100 years later, the story of that one flight unfolded into a global network: American Airlines. Willard Airport is proud to celebrate American’s centennial in 2026, along with its 72 years of service to Champaign-Urbana. “American is proud to […]
Continue ReadingUnited Airlines to Launch Flights at University of Illinois-Willard Airport
Daily Nonstops to Chicago O’Hare Begin April 30, 2026 SAVOY, IL (January 27, 2026) – University of Illinois-Willard Airport is excited to announce that United Airlines will launch new service connecting Champaign-Urbana (CMI) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning April 30, 2026. The new service will operate four times daily, year-round. United will greatly […]
Continue ReadingLetter from the Executive Director – Summer 2025
Summer is always a busy time at University of Illinois – Willard Airport. I have the opportunity to see many of you as you travel around the country and around the world. I’m thankful you choose Willard Airport to start and end your trips. We’re busy making investments to improve your experience. You’ll notice construction […]
Continue ReadingWillard Airport Celebrates 80 Years of Service
Dedicated on October 26, 1945, as the University of Illinois Airport, Willard’s mission was to support aviation education, research, and pilot training at the U of I. The Airport was developed as part of a post–World War II initiative to advance civilian aviation training and aerospace research in higher education. It was named Willard Airport […]
Continue ReadingWillard Airport Continues to Shine for American, Recruitment Efforts Continue
The most recent data shows that American has filled 81% of the seats its offered for sale at Willard Airport over the last 12 months. That’s the highest share of seats filled in almost five years. On flights to Dallas/Ft. Worth, American has filled 84% of seats, while its filled 79% of seats to Chicago […]
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