Dane County Regional Airport Overview

Dane County Regional Airport (IATA: MSN – ICAO: KMSN) is a public international airport located just northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. As the primary airport for south-central Wisconsin, it provides commercial airline service, cargo operations, military support, and general aviation, including international arrivals through U.S. Customs for private and charter flights.

General Information

  • Location: Madison, Wisconsin
  • Country: United States
  • Airport Type: Public, International
  • IATA Code: MSN
  • ICAO Code: KMSN
  • Elevation: 887 feet (270 metres)
  • Coordinates: 43°08′24″N 089°20′12″W
  • Timezone: UTC−6 (Central Standard Time) / UTC−5 (Daylight Saving Time)
  • Distance from City Centre: Approx. 9 km (6 miles) northeast of downtown Madison
  • Website: www.msnairport.com
  • Operator: Dane County
  • Services: Scheduled domestic flights, general aviation, military, cargo, and limited international GA operations

Airport Details

  • Runways: 3
  • Runway Designations and Lengths:
    • 18/36: 2,745 m (9,004 ft) – Asphalt
    • 03/21: 2,195 m (7,202 ft) – Asphalt
    • 14/32: 1,553 m (5,095 ft) – Asphalt
  • Runway Surfaces: Asphalt
  • Runway Strength: Suitable for regional jets, narrow-body airliners, and business jets
  • Fire Services: ARFF Category 8
  • Tower Frequency: Available
  • Ground Frequency: Available
  • Navigation Aids: ILS, RNAV, VOR/DME, GPS
  • Customs and Immigration: U.S. CBP available for international general aviation with prior notice
  • Aircraft Types: Commercial airliners, regional jets, business and private aircraft
  • Terminals: One passenger terminal with three commercial concourses
  • Cargo Facilities: FedEx, UPS, and local freight operators
  • Fuel: JET A, AVGAS
  • FBOs: Wisconsin Aviation (primary FBO)
  • Equipment: GPU, de-icing, lavatory, potable water, hangars, maintenance
  • Ground Services: Full GA and limited commercial handling

Flight Operations

  • Permit Time: 24–48 hours for international GA flights; advance CBP notice required
  • Permission Required: Yes, for foreign-registered and non-scheduled international flights
  • Slots: Not required
  • Aircraft Types: Regional and narrow-body jets, business and GA aircraft
  • Alternate Airports:
    • MKE: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
    • ORD: Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Contact Information

Passenger Information

  • Immigration Requirements: U.S. entry requirements apply — passport, visa, or ESTA as applicable
  • Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, visa/ESTA, General Declaration
  • Transport Options: Taxis, Uber/Lyft, car hire, hotel shuttles, Madison Metro buses
  • Nearby Accommodation:
    • Close to Airport: Holiday Inn Express Madison, Crowne Plaza, Fairfield Inn & Suites
    • In City Centre: The Edgewater, AC Hotel by Marriott, Graduate Madison
  • Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); major credit/debit cards accepted

Local Attractions

Wisconsin State Capitol

An iconic domed building offering guided tours and panoramic views.

University of Wisconsin–Madison

One of the U.S.’s leading public universities, with museums, sports, and lakefront views.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Award-winning gardens and a Thai pavilion along Lake Monona.

Monona Terrace

The convention centre, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, overlooks Lake Monona.

Madison Lakes

A chain of five lakes is popular for sailing, kayaking, and waterside dining.

Travel Tips

  • Best Times to Visit:
    • Spring (Apr–Jun) and Autumn (Sep–Oct): Mild weather and fall colours
    • Summer: Festivals and lake activities are in full swing
  • Additional Notes:
    • Wisconsin Aviation provides full-service FBO operations, including U.S. Customs coordination.
    • Low congestion ensures quick turnarounds and reliable schedules
    • Well-suited for general aviation, corporate jets, and sports charters
    • The airport shares space with the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard

Dane County Regional Airport offers a quiet, efficient, and welcoming gateway to Wisconsin’s capital and the surrounding lakes region. Its accessibility and professional support make it a preferred choice for business and general aviation.