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 […]
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Willard 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 […]
Continue ReadingIon Grove Café’s Ruthie Harper Honored by Experience Champaign-Urbana
Ruthie Harper from Ion Grove Café at Willard Airport was recently recognized by Experience Champaign‑Urbana with their prestigious Brilliant Spirit Award at the 2025 Toast to Tourism event. The award honors “individuals or organizations who have shown innovation, creativity, or collaboration in welcoming visitors and residents to the greater Champaign‑Urbana area.” As a key team member at […]
Continue ReadingNew TSA Checkpoint Construction Underway
Faster security, with less hassle, is on the way at Willard. Construction has started on a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. The original TSA checkpoint – a single-lane screening station located on the walkway bridge between the terminal and gate area – is too small under current post‑9/11 design standards. It routinely causes bottlenecks, […]
Continue ReadingFour Years of Perfection: Willard Gets Another Great FAA Review
Willard Airport staff take pride in working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, creating an ideal environment for pilots, travelers, and airport employees. That work has now been validated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a fourth year in a row. Each year, the FAA inspects every commercial […]
Continue ReadingNew Navigation Aids Installed
Runway 4/22 at Willard Airport is being equipped with new PAPIs (Precision Approach Path Indicators) as part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance airport safety after a recent rehabilitation of the runway. PAPIs provide pilots with real-time, color-coded visual cues (red and white lights) that help them maintain the correct glide path during […]
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