Air Wisconsin Survives by Serving ICE

Across the country, regional short-hop airlines face potential extinction, as rising costs, pilot shortages and industry upsizing of commercial aircraft have led to air carriers dumping markets like Toledo, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania.  A recent analysis by Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting shows that major carriers have stopped serving over 74 small and mid-sized cities since 2020.  Here in Wisconsin, one regional carrier, Air Wisconsin, has managed to survive by catering to a new client: the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.  Paul Kiefer focuses on immigration and data reporting for Wisconsin Watch, and he’s put together a deep analysis of Air Wisconsin’s new flight patterns.  Paul Kiefer joined Monday Buzz host Brian Standing on March 2, 2026.

Image of Air Wisconsin’s travel routes after its acquisition by CSI courtesy Paul Kiefer and Wisconsin Watch

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