Illini Flyer Newsletter

Illini Flyer

Fly Champaign-Urbana News & Updates

2024 | Summer Newsletter

Director's Corner

Tim Bannon, AAE - Executive Director

University of Illinois – Willard Airport

As we head into the heart of summer, it will be the busiest time of the year at University of Illinois – Willard Airport. We expect nearly 500 people a day to use the airport, boarding flights to Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Ft. Worth on our longtime partner, American Airlines. Travelers this summer can look forward to larger jets, with 70 seats, and first class available on virtually all flights. Willard has come a long way from the days of 19-seat turboprops.

You might want to get to the airport a little early. We’re happy that our new partner, Ion Grove Café, is now open. Limited snacks and retail options are now available, an amenity the airport has been working towards for the past year.

We’re also working hard to recruit more flights, more airlines, and more destinations.

Community Raises More than $800,000 for Vacation-Focused Service

Community partners have raised more than $800,000 for nonstop flights between Willard Airport and vacation destinations. Now the Airport is working hard to make the case for service to airlines.

New Study Shows Champaign County Generates Almost One Million Passengers per Year

More people than ever are flying to and from Champaign County, but most of them use airports other than Willard Airport. New data gives the Airport a strong case for additional flights.

Willard Airport Launches New Website

Willard Airport is excited to unveil a refreshed airport website. It features a new, modern design, fresh imagery, refreshed content, and improved navigation on all platforms including on your mobile device.

For the first time, the Airport has added Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) features. Those include settings for Seizure Safe, Vision Impaired, ADHD, Cognitive Disability, Keyboard Navigation, and Blind Users.

You can visit iflycu.com to check out the new look.

Visit iflycu.com

Ion Grove Café Ready to Open

You might want to get to the Airport a little early for your next flight. Ion Grove Café is now open in the gate area with limited snack options. Expect a full range of food and drinks to arrive this summer.

Construction Underway on Major Safety Project to Realign Taxiway

The Airport has started a $10 million project to address a part of the airfield that could be potentially confusing for pilots unfamiliar with Willard. The project will be wrapped-up this year.

Real ID: Required by May 2025

Now’s the time to make sure you’re ready to fly, as new “Real ID” requirements are fewer than 300 days from going into effect. You can get your Illinois Real ID today.

University of Illinois - Willard Airport iflycu.com