AIRPORT - Revision history

Randylyon at 19:54, 1 June 2026

2026-06-01T19:54:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 1 June 2026
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	In July, 2019 city officials announced that the Federal Aviation Administration had approved $537,237 for the airport through its Airport Improvement Program. The money, in addition to a $55,000 local match, would be used to update the airport's master plan. The update would be inline with the typical completion of such a review every 12 to fifteen years. The last update had been done in 2004. (42)		In July, 2019 city officials announced that the Federal Aviation Administration had approved $537,237 for the airport through its Airport Improvement Program. The money, in addition to a $55,000 local match, would be used to update the airport's master plan. The update would be inline with the typical completion of such a review every 12 to fifteen years. The last update had been done in 2004. (42)

	A new study in 2019 indicated that even after an investment of $37 million in a new commercial airline terminal, the Dubuque Regional Airport would need more room and facilities over the next two decades. While the Federal Aviation Administration projected growth in private business flights and jet usage, the airport had run out of hangar space. Anticipated growth in the ~~University of Dubuque's~~ aviation program was also expected to create pressure. The university planned to add six aircraft by the end of 2020 which put the airport's based aircraft count at 84. On less favorable note, studies indicated at 77% of all potential passengers with a 50-70 mile radius of Dubuque chose to fly from other airports. The Dubuque airport lacked multiple airline options, varied direct/nonstop destinations and more frequent daily departures. As airlines replaced 50-seat regional jets with more fuel-efficient 70-90 seat jets, the current airport could have problems handling the traffic. A consulting firm was expected to present a master plan concept, environmental review, and financial plan to the city council. (43)		A new study in 2019 indicated that even after an investment of $37 million in a new commercial airline terminal, the Dubuque Regional Airport would need more room and facilities over the next two decades. While the Federal Aviation Administration projected growth in private business flights and jet usage, the airport had run out of hangar space. Anticipated growth in the aviation program of the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] was also expected to create pressure. The university planned to add six aircraft by the end of 2020 which put the airport's based aircraft count at 84. On less favorable note, studies indicated at 77% of all potential passengers with a 50-70 mile radius of Dubuque chose to fly from other airports. The Dubuque airport lacked multiple airline options, varied direct/nonstop destinations and more frequent daily departures. As airlines replaced 50-seat regional jets with more fuel-efficient 70-90 seat jets, the current airport could have problems handling the traffic. A consulting firm was expected to present a master plan concept, environmental review, and financial plan to the city council. (43)

	Despite showing a stead increase in the number of passengers taking three daily flights from Dubuque to Chicago's O'Hare Airport and returning, it was not enough to convince American Airlines to add another flight. A potential solution to that problem gained an important incentive in February, 2020 when a federal grant to $775,000 was received.		Despite showing a stead increase in the number of passengers taking three daily flights from Dubuque to Chicago's O'Hare Airport and returning, it was not enough to convince American Airlines to add another flight. A potential solution to that problem gained an important incentive in February, 2020 when a federal grant to $775,000 was received.

Randylyon at 19:51, 1 June 2026

2026-06-01T19:51:11Z

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	~~Being researched~~

	[[Image:Airport.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Dubuque airport in the 1970s.]]AIRPORT. In 1928 articles of incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State for the Iowa Airport Company Inc. whose president was William McBoyle. The articles detailed plans of the company headquartered in Dubuque to engage in establishing "flying fields," the buying and selling of airplanes, the transportation of passengers, and in aerial photography and advertising. In May, 1928 work on Dubuque's first municipal airport, located north of the city along Sageville Road, was announced as nearly finished. (1) Swamp land at the south end of the field had to be filled and high lines to the north had to be removed. Parking space was being provided to "allow autoists to view antics of the machines from their machines." (2)		[[Image:Airport.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Dubuque airport in the 1970s.]]AIRPORT. In 1928 articles of incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State for the Iowa Airport Company Inc. whose president was William McBoyle. The articles detailed plans of the company headquartered in Dubuque to engage in establishing "flying fields," the buying and selling of airplanes, the transportation of passengers, and in aerial photography and advertising. In May, 1928 work on Dubuque's first municipal airport, located north of the city along Sageville Road, was announced as nearly finished. (1) Swamp land at the south end of the field had to be filled and high lines to the north had to be removed. Parking space was being provided to "allow autoists to view antics of the machines from their machines." (2)

Randylyon at 19:50, 1 June 2026

2026-06-01T19:50:47Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 19:57, 31 May 2026

2026-05-31T19:57:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:57, 31 May 2026
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			Being researched

	[[Image:Airport.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Dubuque airport in the 1970s.]]AIRPORT. In 1928 articles of incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State for the Iowa Airport Company Inc. whose president was William McBoyle. The articles detailed plans of the company headquartered in Dubuque to engage in establishing "flying fields," the buying and selling of airplanes, the transportation of passengers, and in aerial photography and advertising. In May, 1928 work on Dubuque's first municipal airport, located north of the city along Sageville Road, was announced as nearly finished. (1) Swamp land at the south end of the field had to be filled and high lines to the north had to be removed. Parking space was being provided to "allow autoists to view antics of the machines from their machines." (2)		[[Image:Airport.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Dubuque airport in the 1970s.]]AIRPORT. In 1928 articles of incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State for the Iowa Airport Company Inc. whose president was William McBoyle. The articles detailed plans of the company headquartered in Dubuque to engage in establishing "flying fields," the buying and selling of airplanes, the transportation of passengers, and in aerial photography and advertising. In May, 1928 work on Dubuque's first municipal airport, located north of the city along Sageville Road, was announced as nearly finished. (1) Swamp land at the south end of the field had to be filled and high lines to the north had to be removed. Parking space was being provided to "allow autoists to view antics of the machines from their machines." (2)

Randylyon at 19:56, 31 May 2026

2026-05-31T19:56:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 31 May 2026
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	The last flight landed in Dubuque on January 14, 2026. Left were questions about how the city's financial agreement were not revealed up front. The full amount offered to Denver Air was not known. (55)		The last flight landed in Dubuque on January 14, 2026. Left were questions about how the city's financial agreement were not revealed up front. The full amount offered to Denver Air was not known. (55)

			The Dubuque Regional Airport in May, 2026 secured an additional $2 million in funding for its taxiway reconstruction. This allowed the completion of the $32 million project a year early and without the need for raising local funds to finish the work. The FAA had already agreed to fund 94% of the taxiway reconstruction project, which first broke ground in 2024 and now would be completed in 2028. This last phase will be used to construct a narrow taxiway near the University of Dubuque Babka Aviation Learning Center to allow small planes to queue before takeoff. Under the new schedule, this work would begin in 2027 instead of 2029.

			Randy Warm, director of aviation programs at UD, noted that the college was investing $21 million in its airport facilities to increase its footprint fourfold. Having its own entrance to Taxiway Alpha from our ramps should keep the student planes from causing traffic jams with corporate planes and other aircraft.

			Air travel was ith most active pilots within 20 years of the mandatory retirement age. Enrollment in the University of Dubuque's aviation program more than doubled since 2019, when Warm said there were 235 students. He expeced about 500 for the fall semester.


			Student pilots log about 250 hours when they earn their bachelor’s degree, which also reduces the hours they need to be a commercial pilot from 1,500 to 1,000 hours.

			The UD taxiway requires a local match of about $105,000, but the local airport had earlier budgeted about $1 million for the last two phases of the project.

			About half of that money won’t be needed after the FAA informed Dalsing that the funds from the Airport Improvement Program will only require a 5% match, not the 10% that had been anticipated.

			“Five cents on the dollar is a good deal that needs to be done. The pavements are all failing,” Dalsing said.

			The taxiway construction project is on the north, general aviation, side of the airport but the funding for most of the project has been tied to the number of commercial passengers who fly out of Dubuque. The federal formula had left funding for the University of Dubuque taxiway project in doubt. While the first five phases had already been budgeted on past performance, the final phase had been scheduled for construction in 2029 based on enplanements from calendar year 2026.

			Dubuque Regional Airport lost commercial passenger service in January, 2026 and currently had no plans to add more aside from a handful of chartered flights from Sun Country Airlines. Unless Sun Country expanded service or a new carrier comes to the airport, Dubuque was unlikely to receive any predictable “entitlement funds” to cover future capital projects, such as hangar expansion on the west side of the airport.

Randylyon at 19:53, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T19:53:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 3 March 2026
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	In July, 2024 officials of Avelo Airlines announced the flights of the airline to Orlando from Dubuque would not be resumed as they had not proved profitable. (52)		In July, 2024 officials of Avelo Airlines announced the flights of the airline to Orlando from Dubuque would not be resumed as they had not proved profitable. (52)

	A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart ~~for~~ Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)		A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)

			In June, 2025 usage of the airport remained a concern. Changing the outgoing flight was moved from afternoon to morning increased the number of passengers. While positive, the statistics showed that the 50-seat planes were only 41% full. To be profitable, the flights would need to nearly double their occupancy to 80%. Operations were very positive with 94% of the flights on time while the national average was 78%. Dubuque flights to O'Hare were ahead of schedule 62% of the time. (54)

			The last flight landed in Dubuque on January 14, 2026. Left were questions about how the city's financial agreement were not revealed up front. The full amount offered to Denver Air was not known. (55)


	In June, 2025 usage of the airport remained a concern. Changing the outgoing flight was changed from afternoon to morning increased the number of passengers. While positive, the statistics showed that the 50-seat planes were only 41% full. To be profitable, the flights would need to nearly double their occupancy to 80%. Operations were very positive with 94% of the flights on time while the national average was 78%. Dubuque flights to O'Hare were ahead of schedule 62% of the time. (54)


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	54. Gray, Chris, "Civic Leaders Pushing to Keep Daily Air Service," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 18, 2025, p. 1A		54. Gray, Chris, "Civic Leaders Pushing to Keep Daily Air Service," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 18, 2025, p. 1A

			55. Gray, Chris, "Air line Lands for Last Time in Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 16, 2026, p. 1

	[[Category: Transportation]]		[[Category: Transportation]]

Randylyon at 15:47, 20 June 2025

2025-06-20T15:47:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:47, 20 June 2025
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	A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart for Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)		A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart for Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)


			In June, 2025 usage of the airport remained a concern. Changing the outgoing flight was changed from afternoon to morning increased the number of passengers. While positive, the statistics showed that the 50-seat planes were only 41% full. To be profitable, the flights would need to nearly double their occupancy to 80%. Operations were very positive with 94% of the flights on time while the national average was 78%. Dubuque flights to O'Hare were ahead of schedule 62% of the time. (54)


	~~---~~

	Sources:		Sources:
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	52. Gray, Chris, "Avelo Flights Not Returning This Year," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 3, 2024, p. 1		52. Gray, Chris, "Avelo Flights Not Returning This Year," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 3, 2024, p. 1

	53. Gray, Chris, "Airline Hosts Pre-flight Check," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 2, 2024, p. iA		53. Gray, Chris, "Airline Hosts Pre-flight Check," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 2, 2024, p. 1A

			54. Gray, Chris, "Civic Leaders Pushing to Keep Daily Air Service," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 18, 2025, p. 1A

	[[Category: Transportation]]		[[Category: Transportation]]

Mike.Day at 21:53, 11 March 2025

2025-03-11T21:53:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:53, 11 March 2025
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	In 1946 the two lowest bids for the airport runways were offered by the same company, S.J. Groves and Son of Minneapolis. One bid was for concrete and the other was for asphalt. When the board of directors of the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce found the difference was $5,356, it agreed to underwrite the difference so that the concrete could be obtained. (18)		In 1946 the two lowest bids for the airport runways were offered by the same company, S.J. Groves and Son of Minneapolis. One bid was for concrete and the other was for asphalt. When the board of directors of the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce found the difference was $5,356, it agreed to underwrite the difference so that the concrete could be obtained. (18)

	Procedures to close the City Island airport began in August 1948. Airport manager [[OLESON, Clifton P.\|Clifton P. OLESON]] was authorized by the city council to place a large "X" in the center of the landing strips indicating the official closing of the airport. The runways remained intact for two months to allow for emergency landings. Landings and takeoffs were not permitted after October 18, 1948. Gravel was taken from the runways and dirt was then removed for covering the 16th Street dump. (19) The Dubuque Municipal Airport south of the city was dedicated on October 24, 1948 with five jet-propelled p-80s participating in the airshow. Unofficial estimates of the number of private, commercial and military ~~places~~ on the field during the Sunday program at over 300. The crowd was estimated at between 22,000 and 24,000. (20)		Procedures to close the City Island airport began in August 1948. Airport manager [[OLESON, Clifton P.\|Clifton P. OLESON]] was authorized by the city council to place a large "X" in the center of the landing strips indicating the official closing of the airport. The runways remained intact for two months to allow for emergency landings. Landings and takeoffs were not permitted after October 18, 1948. Gravel was taken from the runways and dirt was then removed for covering the 16th Street dump. (19) The Dubuque Municipal Airport south of the city was dedicated on October 24, 1948 with five jet-propelled p-80s participating in the airshow. Unofficial estimates of the number of private, commercial and military planes on the field during the Sunday program at over 300. The crowd was estimated at between 22,000 and 24,000. (20)

	The first terminal building was constructed in 1949. Dubuque residents voted to form an independent airport commission in a 1950 referendum.		The first terminal building was constructed in 1949. Dubuque residents voted to form an independent airport commission in a 1950 referendum.

Randylyon at 19:34, 13 October 2024

2024-10-13T19:34:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:34, 13 October 2024
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	Airport officials announced in April, 2024 that the airport ranked #2 among Iowa airports for takeoffs and landings. (51)		Airport officials announced in April, 2024 that the airport ranked #2 among Iowa airports for takeoffs and landings. (51)

	In July, 2024 officials of ~~[[AVELO AIRPLANES]]~~ announced the flights of the airline to Orlando from Dubuque would not be resumed as they had not proved profitable. (52)		In July, 2024 officials of Avelo Airlines announced the flights of the airline to Orlando from Dubuque would not be resumed as they had not proved profitable. (52)

	A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart for Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)		A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart for Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)

Randylyon at 19:25, 13 October 2024

2024-10-13T19:25:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 13 October 2024
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	In July, 2024 officials of [[AVELO AIRPLANES]] announced the flights of the airline to Orlando from Dubuque would not be resumed as they had not proved profitable. (52)		In July, 2024 officials of [[AVELO AIRPLANES]] announced the flights of the airline to Orlando from Dubuque would not be resumed as they had not proved profitable. (52)

			A new chapter in the history of the Dubuque airport was announced on October 1, 2024. An Embraer-145 jet operated by Denver Air Connection landed at the Dubuque Regional Airport during a preview of the airline's upcoming daily flight to Chicago. Adding to its appeal, the new airline such amenities as giant-sized candy bars and baggage fees kept at $15.00. A seamless connection was promised onto Delta and, American, or United and baggage could be checked one time anywhere in the country or the world. Flights from O'Hare would leave at 2:30 p.m. and land at Dubuque at 3:25. Flights to O'Hare would depart for Chicago at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 4:50 p.m. Flights were scheduled to be six days a week beginning on November 4th. (53)


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	52. Gray, Chris, "Avelo Flights Not Returning This Year," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 3, 2024, p. 1		52. Gray, Chris, "Avelo Flights Not Returning This Year," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 3, 2024, p. 1

			53. Gray, Chris, "Airline Hosts Pre-flight Check," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 2, 2024, p. iA

	[[Category: Transportation]]		[[Category: Transportation]]