Residents around Waukesha County Airport in Wisconsin have recently observed a surge in air traffic as preparations for the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) are underway. The increased number of planes taking off and landing at the airport has caught the attention of locals.

Brandon Flannery, a resident who works and lives in Waukesha, remarked on the noticeable increase in aircraft activity, stating, ‘There’s usually noise working near the airport but there’s been a little bit of an increase of planes flying overhead.’ Linsey Kramer, another Waukesha resident, shared that her son has been fascinated by the airplanes flying over their area, indicating a rise in air traffic.

The Waukesha County Airport is anticipating even more aircraft in the coming days due to its strategic location. Kurt Stanich, the airport manager, highlighted the airport’s unique position, stating, ‘We are the closest airport to the event not affected by the temporary flight restriction. Milwaukee Mitchell and Timmerman Airport are under the temporary flight restriction. Those airports are closed except for approved traffic.’

With Crites Field’s advantageous position, Waukesha County Airport is expected to welcome donors and dignitaries attending the RNC without the need for prior reservations or passenger disclosures. Currently experiencing between 250-400 daily flights, the airport is already bustling, and this number is projected to increase significantly during the RNC period.

Karen Krause, a business owner near the airport, expressed her excitement about the influx of air traffic, mentioning, ‘I think it is really cool. My business is on Silvernail so I am going to sit out and watch all the planes come in.’

The airport manager, Stanich, anticipates a potentially record-breaking period ahead, with expectations of surpassing previous flight records by 50-100 flights during the RNC. Following the conclusion of the convention, the EAA event is set to commence, marking another busy period for the Waukesha County Airport.

As the skies above Waukesha County continue to buzz with increased air traffic, residents and community members are looking forward to witnessing the unique aviation activity brought about by the upcoming Republican National Convention.