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University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) is a public airport in Savoy, Illinois, about five miles south of Champaign-Urbana. Owned by the University of Illinois and named for former university president Arthur Cutts Willard, it opened in the 1940s and supports commercial airline service, general aviation, and flight training. Its compact single-terminal layout makes it a convenient gateway to Central Illinois.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know CMI's security line is usually fast, but it can back up on Sunday evenings and during University of Illinois move-in, finals, and home football weekends—arrive at least 90 minutes before departure on those days.
🚖 Getting There
CMI is reached mainly by car via Illinois Route 45/South Neil Street or I-57, about 5 miles south of Champaign-Urbana. Taxis, rideshares, and some hotel shuttles serve the terminal, but public bus service is limited, so arrange a return ride in advance. On-site rental cars are available for travelers heading to campus or elsewhere in Central Illinois.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to CMI?
A: Commercial service is typically provided by American Eagle, with nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth; routes and schedules can change, so check with the airline before booking.
Q: How far is the airport from Champaign and Urbana?
A: CMI is in Savoy, roughly a 10-minute drive from south Champaign and about 15-20 minutes from downtown Urbana.
Q: Is parking available at Willard Airport?
A: Yes, the airport has short-term and long-term parking next to the terminal; rates and payment options are posted on the airport website.
Q: Are there rental cars at CMI?
A: Yes, rental car companies operate at the terminal, but desks may have limited hours, so reserve ahead and confirm pickup details.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash