Appleton International Airport Drives Nearly $2B Economic Impact, Supports 7,600 Jobs

Appleton International Airport has significantly increased its economic impact on the region, reaching nearly $2 billion in 2024, up from $676 million in 2015. The airport supported 7,626 jobs last year, more than doubling its employment from a decade ago, and generated $1.3 billion in direct business sales. Passenger traffic surpassed one million for the first time in 2024, with average daily departures rising to nearly 21. This growth is attributed in part to a recent $66 million expansion that doubled the size of the terminal and increased gate capacity. The airport's economic influence extends across Outagamie, Brown, Winnebago, and Calumet counties, contributing $325.4 million in tax revenues, including $205.1 million in state and local taxes. Airport Director Abe Weber and county officials credited innovative leadership and community support for sustaining this growth and ensuring the airport remains a vital economic engine for the Fox Cities region.