United Airlines returns to Central Wisconsin Airport after four-year pause

MOSINEE, Wis. (WSAW) - United Airlines will resume service at Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in late May after a four-year pause, restoring a vital travel link for the region.

The airline will offer three daily flights to Chicago O’Hare starting May 21, giving travelers access to 350 destinations worldwide across United’s domestic and international networks.

United suspended flights from CWA in January 2022 due to post-pandemic worker shortages.

“The flights had always been well served by the community, well utilized by the community, and it was really disappointing to see them leave,” said Mark Cihlar, assistant director of Central Wisconsin Airport.

The return of United service is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers in central Wisconsin.

“This community now has easy access to the world,” said David Lorduy, sales manager for United Airlines.

Portage County Executive John Pavelski adds the service, “Gives people the chance to be able to connect with, again, other areas of the country and other areas of the world.”

The restored flights also build a bridge for travelers to access central Wisconsin.

“Central Wisconsin’s an awesome place to live, work, raise a family. The educational opportunities are tremendous around here and it’s going to give us that opportunity,” Pavelski said.

Airport staff and community leaders hope United’s return will encourage other airlines to consider service at Central Wisconsin Airport.

“Even with United Airlines coming to Central Wisconsin Airport, there is still more unmet demand for travel in our community,” Cihlar said.

Flights are already available for booking.

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