Illinois Airport Adds Customs Capabilities

The University of Illinois-Willard Airport (CMI) in Champaign has inaugurated its new general aviation U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. Previously, all private international arrivals were required to first stop at an entry point for clearance before heading to CMI.  

Located adjacent to the FBO on the north side of the field, the 3,900-sq-ft structure was built to CBP specifications, and its construction was funded by Flightstar, the lone flight service/maintenance provider on the field. It will be staffed from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with services outside those hours based on availability. Flightstar will also pay the facility’s operating costs.

“The addition of CBP services will be an asset to both the airport and our community,” said Tim Bannon, the airport’s executive director, noting the strong partnership with its FBO. "This is the first time private aircraft traveling from international locations will be able to land directly at Willard Airport to complete international arrival border formalities.”