Roberta Aguirre
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1927, Midway served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. Today, Midway is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, serving over 22 million passengers annually. The airport covers just over one square mile and has a unique layout, with the road system running between the terminal and the secure area. It has three concourses (A, B, and C) and 43 aircraft gates. The largest aircraft typically seen at Midway is the Boeing 757, and the airport primarily serves as a base for Southwest Airlines, carrying over 90% of the airport's passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| Airport Code | MDW |
| Location | Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois |
| Distance from Downtown Chicago | 10-12 miles |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Number of Concourses | 3 (A, B, and C) |
| Number of Aircraft Gates | 43 |
| Number of Passengers Served | 22 million annually |
| Number of Destinations | 60+ (58 domestic and 11 international) |
| Size | Just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Longest Runway | 13C/31C (6,522 ft × 150 ft) |
| Largest Aircraft Accommodated | Boeing 757 |
| Public Transportation Options | Orange Line "L" and multiple bus routes |
| Ranking | Second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago Midway International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Established in 1927, Midway served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. Today, it is the second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area and the state of Illinois, serving over 22 million passengers annually.
The airport covers just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) and has a unique layout, with four active runways and three concourses. Concourse A has 17 gates, Concourse B has 23, and Concourse C has three. The airport's terminal has two levels, with ticketing on the upper level and baggage claim on the lower level. Passengers can access all three concourses after clearing security, and there is no need to re-clear security when connecting flights.
Midway is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers. The airport offers value-oriented leisure and business travel to approximately 60 destinations, mostly within the United States. The advantage of travelling through Midway is its proximity to the city, with a travel time of 15 to 25 minutes to downtown Chicago.
The airport has undergone several expansion and redevelopment projects over the years, including the addition of new concourses and the construction of a new terminal building in 2001. The latest modernization program aims to enhance the airport experience and accommodate future passenger growth.
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The airport has a two-level terminal building
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 22 million passengers annually. The airport has a two-level terminal building, with ticketing on the upper level and baggage claim on the lower level. The terminal building was opened to the public in 2001 and covers 900,000 square feet, providing larger ticket counters, spacious baggage claim areas, and a short walking distance to the gates.
The upper level of the terminal building is dedicated to ticketing and provides convenient access to the ticket counters. Passengers can find their respective ticket counters by referring to the flight information available online or on display at the airport. The upper level may also be where passengers check in and drop off their luggage, depending on the airline and the specific layout of the terminal.
The lower level of the terminal building is primarily for baggage claim. After disembarking their flights and passing through customs or security, passengers can proceed to the designated baggage carousel to collect their checked luggage. The lower level may also house facilities such as restrooms, information desks, and ground transportation options, such as taxi stands or shuttle services.
The terminal building at Chicago Midway International Airport also offers various amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. The central market, located after the security checkpoint, features a large seating area, shops, and restaurants. This area provides passengers with options for dining, shopping, and relaxation while waiting for their flights or during layovers. Additionally, the airport has undergone modernisation and improvement projects to accommodate future passenger growth and enhance the overall airport experience.
The airport's proximity to the city makes it a convenient option for travellers. Chicago Midway is located approximately 10 to 12 miles from Chicago's downtown business district, and it takes around 15 to 25 minutes to travel between the airport and the city centre. This accessibility makes Midway a preferred choice for quick, domestic business trips, especially for those who value efficiency and do not require extensive airport amenities.
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It is located 10-12 miles from downtown Chicago
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 10-12 miles from downtown Chicago. It is situated on the southwest side of the city, in the Clearing and Garfield Ridge communities. Midway is easily accessible from the city centre, with travel times ranging from 15 to 25 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for travellers, particularly those on quick, domestic business trips.
The airport's proximity to downtown Chicago offers a strategic advantage for travellers seeking efficiency and speed. Its location makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritise time over a wider range of airport amenities. While Midway may have limited facilities compared to larger airports, it still boasts essential features for travellers. The airport has a central market with a large seating area, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, it offers convenient access to ticket counters and baggage claim areas, enhancing the overall airport experience for its users.
Midway International Airport has undergone significant development over the years. Established in 1927, it initially served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. Despite being superseded by O'Hare, Midway remains a significant transportation hub, serving over 22 million passengers annually. The airport has three concourses (A, B, and C) with a total of 43 aircraft gates.
The airport's layout is somewhat unusual, with the road system running between the terminal and the secure area. This unique design may be a factor in the airport's efficient operations. The terminal itself has two levels, with ticketing on the upper level and baggage claim on the lower level. Passengers can easily access the terminal via a pedestrian bridge that connects to the departure concourses.
In terms of size, Midway covers just over one square mile, or 650 acres. This makes it relatively small compared to other major airports. However, its compact size does not hinder its functionality, as it efficiently handles a significant volume of flights and passengers each year. Midway is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers.
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Chicago Midway is the second-largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the second-largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area. Established in 1927, Midway served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. O'Hare is one of the largest airports in North America and is also one of the busiest, with over 600 daily flights and connections to international destinations. In comparison, Midway is a smaller airport, covering just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) with four active runways. It is located on the southwest side of Chicago, approximately 10-12 miles from the city's downtown business district.
Despite being the second-largest, Chicago Midway is still one of the busiest airports in the nation, serving over 22 million passengers annually. The airport is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the passengers at the airport. The terminal has two levels, with ticketing on the upper level and baggage claim on the lower level. Passengers can access three concourses (A, B, and C) after passing through security, where they can find a large seating area, shops, and restaurants.
The Midway Airport Terminal Development Program, launched in 1997, was the largest public works project in the state at the time. As part of this expansion project, a new terminal building opened in 2001, offering larger ticket counters, spacious baggage claim areas, and easy access to gates. The program also included the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue and a parking garage, bringing covered parking to the airport for the first time.
While Midway is smaller than O'Hare, it has its advantages. Due to its size and location, Midway can be a more efficient and faster option for domestic business travellers who value convenience and speed over the variety of amenities offered at larger airports like O'Hare. Additionally, Midway is much closer to downtown Chicago, with travel times ranging from 15 to 25 minutes, making it a convenient choice for those travelling to or from the city centre.
In summary, Chicago Midway International Airport is the second-largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area. It has undergone significant development over the years and continues to be a major commercial airport, serving millions of passengers annually. Its proximity to downtown Chicago and efficient layout make it a preferred choice for travellers seeking convenience and ease of travel.
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The airport was named after the Battle of Midway
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1927, it served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. Midway is one of the busiest airports in the nation and the second-busiest airport in both the Chicago metropolitan area and the state of Illinois, serving over 22 million passengers annually. The airport is named after the Battle of Midway, a significant event that took place during World War II.
The Battle of Midway was a decisive naval battle between the United States and Japan in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The battle took place in June 1942, about six months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was a crucial turning point in the war, as the United States scored a major victory against the Japanese fleet, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers and damaging other ships. This victory helped to shift the momentum of the war in the Pacific and boost the morale of the Allied forces.
The battle was named after Midway Atoll, a small group of islands located in the North Pacific Ocean, about halfway between North America and Asia. The atoll served as a strategic military base for the United States during the war, and it was the target of a Japanese attack during the battle. The United States successfully defended the atoll and inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese fleet, which had intended to invade and capture the islands.
The SBD Dauntless dive bomber, which played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway, is honoured at Chicago Midway International Airport. A Dauntless dive bomber is suspended from the ceiling in one of the terminals, commemorating the aircraft's contribution to the battle. This tribute serves as a reminder of the airport's connection to the historic battle and its significance in World War II.
The name "Midway" also reflects the location of the airport within the city of Chicago. The airport is situated in the southwestern section of the city, serving as a crucial transportation hub for the surrounding communities. The naming of the airport after the Battle of Midway honours the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the Pacific during World War II, while also acknowledging the geographical context of the airport's location.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago Midway is a major commercial airport, but it is much smaller and less busy than O'Hare, the other airport in Chicago. Midway is the second-largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, serving over 22 million passengers annually.
Chicago Midway is located approximately 10 to 12 miles from downtown Chicago. It takes around 15 to 25 minutes to get from Midway to downtown, whereas from O'Hare, it can take upwards of 45 minutes.
Chicago Midway is much closer to the city than O'Hare, making it a faster and more efficient option for travellers who are short on time. It also has shorter security wait times, with an average of 15 minutes.
Chicago Midway is surrounded by buildings, which means its runways are too short to handle larger four-engine jetliners. It also serves fewer airlines than O'Hare, which is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America.
Chicago Midway has a central market with a large seating area, shops, and restaurants. There are also playgrounds and toy stores to keep children entertained.
