Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates Will Be Posted As Necessary
Update: 8/24/2020 11:00 a.m.
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS AND HERTZ TEMPORARILY SUSPEND OPERATIONS
Due to the low number of travelers, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Hertz have both temporarily suspended their operations at Willard Airport. Once travel begins to recover they will reevaluate the status of their operations.
Update: 5/1/2020 10:00 a.m.
MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHTS BEGINNING MAY 11
Beginning May 11 all American Airlines passengers will be required to wear a mask. This new requirement is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing customer and team member well-being in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Read the full release here.
Update: 4/1/2020 2:30 p.m
STAY AT HOME ORDER EXTENDED, NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Willard Airport continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel demand at historical lows. Recently, Illinois Governor Pritzker extended the Stay at Home order until April 30, 2020. This extension timeline mirrors President Trump’s social distancing guidance. Air Service will continue to have drastic reductions in demand until the pandemic is under control, and confidence to travel is restored.
In the meantime, Willard Airport will continue enhanced sanitization efforts in the main terminal. The safety of travelers, staff, and tenants is our top priority.
Update: 3/20/2020 4:55 p.m.
WILLARD AIRPORT TO REMAIN OPEN DURING STAY AT HOME ORDER
A Stay at Home Order in the state of Illinois will begin Saturday, March 21, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. The University of Illinois-Willard Airport is considered critical and is therefore exempt from this order—the airport will remain open and operational.
“Willard Airport is a vital asset to Champaign County, and will remain open and operational,” said Tim Bannon, Executive Director of Willard Airport. “The majority of Willard staff are considered essential, and will continue to report to work making sure our facilities are clean, safe, and secure.”
Critical staff will maintain “social distancing” as much as possible throughout this order. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing efforts in the public areas of the main terminal will continue indefinitely to keep staff, travelers, and the community as safe as possible.
If you have questions or concerns about your American Airlines flight, you should contact the airline directly at 1-800-433-7300.
“Flight cancellations are possible during this time due to low booking numbers, passengers are encouraged to check regularly with American Airlines regarding flight status,” said Bannon.
Update: 3/17/2020 10:30am
As we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Willard Airport will be making adjustments to keep our staff, tenants, and the public as safe as possible. We are adjusting administration office hours until we are given word from University and Public Health officials it is safe to resume as normal.
Starting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 the administration office will ONLY be open on Monday from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m., and Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Wednesday-Friday). If you have an urgent need during unscheduled hours please email the Willard Airport email address. Building Service Workers will continue to clean and disinfect in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. Maintenance Staff, and the Airport Fire Department will also be fully staffed to ensure the airport is maintained, safe, secure, and operational.
The airport, main terminal, rental cars, and airlines are currently open for business. Due to regulations from the State of Illinois, Einstein Brothers Bagels will be closed in the airport terminal until further notice.
We will continue to update you as we receive more information.
Update: 3/13/2020 2:25pm
