Chicago's Airport System: How Many Airports Are There?

Chicago is a major city in the United States with a number of airports serving the city. The city's airports are conveniently located in the centre of the country, with thousands of daily inbound and outbound flights to more than 240 destinations. Chicago is home to two major commercial airports, O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, as well as several other smaller airports.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is Chicago's main airport

Chicago is home to several airports, but Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the city's main airport. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, with nearly 1,000 daily direct flights to and from international and domestic destinations.

O'Hare International Airport is located 15 miles from downtown Chicago. It is ranked as the sixth busiest airport in the world, with more than 43.7 million passengers travelling through the airport annually. The airport is easily accessible via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, which takes passengers to the Loop in about 45 minutes. The Metra commuter train service and regional and airport shuttle buses also serve the airport.

The airport has four terminals, with dozens of airlines flying to and from its terminals. Terminal 5 is considered the international terminal, although international flights may depart from other terminals. Terminal 1 serves airlines such as All Nippon, Lufthansa, and United Airlines, while Terminal 2 serves Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Southern Airways Express. Terminal 3 serves Aer Lingus, Cape Air, Contour Airlines, and more. Terminal 5 serves a wide range of international airlines, including Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines.

O'Hare International Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Top restaurants include Tortas Fronteras by Rick Bayless, Berghoff Cafe, and Wicker Park Sushi & Seafood Bar. For unique shopping, passengers can visit the Field Museum store or Hoypoloi An Uncommon Gallery. The airport also features lounges for different airlines, such as United Clubs, a USO Lounge, Admirals Clubs, and the British Airways First Lounge.

In addition to its transportation and travel facilities, O'Hare International Airport provides other amenities for travellers. For those with long layovers, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare offers a guest pass to its health club, which includes a pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and gym. The airport also features an indoor hydroponic garden, Tower Farm, which supplies crops to many of the airport's restaurants.

Chicago Midway International Airport is Chicago's second-largest airport

Chicago is served by three international airports: O'Hare, Midway, and Gary/Chicago International Airport. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is Chicago's second-largest airport, with approximately 19 million passengers flying through it annually. The airport is located on the south side of Chicago, 11 miles from downtown, and is named after the Battle of Midway in World War II. Midway is a major commercial airport, serving as a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers.

Midway International Airport offers a less-crowded airport experience compared to O'Hare. It has a single terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C) and 43 gates, providing a smoother and easier flying experience with shorter wait times for security. The airport primarily services domestic destinations, with flights to over 70 U.S. cities, and has a limited number of international flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line trains provide transportation from downtown Chicago to Midway International Airport, with CTA buses, Pace buses, and regional and shuttle buses serving areas not on the Orange Line. The airport also offers taxi and ridesharing services, with designated pickup zones. Parking at Midway costs between $15 and $40 per day, and rental cars from major companies are available.

Midway International Airport features various dining and shopping options. Recommended restaurants include Billy Goat Tavern, Arami, and BIG & little's. For shopping, the airport offers iconic stores such as FAO Schwarz, MAC Cosmetics, and the Build-a-Bear Workshop vending machine. The airport also has a small exhibit memorializing the Battle of Midway and a suspended SBD Dauntless bomber in Concourse A. Additionally, art enthusiasts can explore the Chicago Public Art program's installations throughout the airport, including the Tuskegee Airmen Commemorative.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is Chicago's third airport

Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. However, there is a third, lesser-known airport located 25 miles from downtown Chicago, called Gary/Chicago International Airport.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport, serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. It is located in Gary, Lake County, Indiana, and is operated by the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority, which was created by an interstate compact between Gary, Chicago, and Indiana. The airport is just a short distance from the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily accessible via the South Shore Line commuter rail train, with a station located about a mile south of the terminal.

The airport has excellent infrastructure, an ideal location, and reasonable fees. It has two runways over 7,000 feet long, which can accommodate aircraft of all sizes. The airport's facilities include top-tier Jet A fuel services and state-of-the-art US Customs facilities. Gary/Chicago International Airport is also home to an Army Aviation Support Facility supporting UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operations of the Indiana Army National Guard.

In recent years, there have been efforts to expand Gary/Chicago International Airport and establish it as Chicago's third major airport. In 2006, the airport received $48 million in federal funding for expansion plans, including a new multi-level intermodal terminal combining passenger rail, passenger vehicles, and air travel. However, since 2013, there have been no scheduled commercial passenger airline services operating from the airport, and efforts to resume commercial flights have been delayed due to pilot shortages and aircraft delivery issues.

Chicago DuPage County Airport is one of the top international airports in Chicago

Chicago is served by three international airports: O'Hare, Midway, and Gary/Chicago. However, Chicago DuPage County Airport is also a top airport in the city. Located just an hour from downtown Chicago, it is one of North America's premier business aviation facilities. It is the ideal destination for corporate and private aviation needs.

DuPage Airport is a general aviation airport located 29 miles west of downtown Chicago. It is the only airport of its kind in Illinois with four active runways, two ILS approaches, and a 1 million square foot apron. The airport's primary runway is the second longest in the Chicago area, capable of accommodating large corporate aircraft, including the Boeing Business Jet. The airport also boasts a superior airfield and first-class flight centre, making it a top choice for those seeking a world-class aviation experience.

In addition to its aviation facilities, DuPage Airport offers a championship golf course rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest. The airport also features a high-technology business park, making it a hub for business and corporate travellers. With its convenient location and comprehensive amenities, DuPage Airport is a top choice for travellers seeking a seamless and efficient travel experience.

DuPage Airport is also known for its rich history. The airport was once sheep-grazing land before being purchased by two Chicago entrepreneurs in 1927, who began barnstorming using the field as a grass strip. The airport was then requisitioned by the U.S. Navy in 1941, who built brick hangars and paved runways to train pilots for World War II. After the war, the airport was sold to DuPage County and continued to expand to accommodate increasing regional growth and aviation demands. Today, DuPage Airport is one of the busiest airports in Illinois, serving as a vital hub for business and leisure travellers alike.

Chicago Rockford International Airport has some of the world's best runways

Chicago is served by three airports: O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, and Rockford International Airport. While O'Hare and Midway are the two major airports, Rockford International Airport, located 68 miles (109 km) northwest of Chicago, is also an option for travellers.

Chicago Rockford International Airport has two runways, both with an Instrument Landing System (ILS). The longest runway, 07/25, is 3,049 metres (10,002 feet) long, while runway 01/19 is 2,499 metres (8,200 feet) in length. These runways can accommodate a variety of large aircraft, including the Antonov An-124 Ruslan, one of the largest cargo planes in the world.

The airport's runways and facilities have undergone several upgrades over the years, including the addition of radar in the 1970s, a new passenger terminal in 1987, and an upgrade to the terminal in 2005 to accommodate jet aircraft. The airport also has a foreign-trade zone status, which provides benefits for cargo operations.

With its long runways and modern facilities, Chicago Rockford International Airport is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of air traffic, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations. The airport's runways are among the best in the world, offering safe and efficient operations for a variety of aircraft, from small planes to large cargo jets.

Chicago Rockford International Airport's runways play a crucial role in the airport's ability to serve its passengers and support the region's aviation needs. The airport's commitment to maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure ensures that it can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, contributing to its reputation as one of the world's best airports in terms of runway quality and functionality.

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