
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 in 2023. The airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines, which operates over 90% of the flights and offers direct flights to more than 50 destinations. Other airlines that operate from Midway include Delta Air Lines, Porter Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines. The airport has a range of facilities for passengers, including lounges, shops, and free Wi-Fi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| IATA | MDW |
| ICAO | KMDW |
| FAA LID | MDW |
| Location | Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois |
| Distance from Chicago's Loop business district | 12 miles |
| Communities | Clearing and Garfield Ridge |
| Year Established | 1927 |
| Year Renamed | 1949 |
| Renamed after | The Battle of Midway |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Number of Daily Departures | 250+ |
| Airlines | Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Porter Airlines, Allegiant Air, Volaris, Frontier Airlines, United Air Lines, American, TWA, Northwest, Eastern, Braniff, Pennsylvania Central, C&S |
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What You'll Learn

Southwest Airlines
The history of Southwest Airlines at Midway Airport dates back several decades. In 2005, a Southwest Airlines Flight 1248, a Boeing 737-700, slid off the runway during landing in a heavy snowstorm. This incident highlighted the challenges of operating in adverse weather conditions.
Today, Southwest Airlines offers a seamless travel experience at Midway Airport. Passengers can easily access the airport by taking the "L" train's Orange Line, which provides a direct connection to the city. The airline also offers long-term parking and car services for added convenience.
With its base at Midway Airport, Southwest Airlines provides travellers with a wide range of travel options, including oceanside getaways, desert retreats, and opportunities to explore diverse walks of life. The airline's Rapid Rewards® program allows passengers to earn points and enjoy various benefits, enhancing the overall travel experience.
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Delta Air Lines
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 22 million passengers in 2023.
The Delta Airlines MDW Terminal, or Terminal 1, offers a range of facilities for passengers, including food options, duty-free shopping, and free Wi-Fi. The terminal also has friendly staff to assist with travel queries and premium lounges for passengers to wait for their flights.
Some of the destinations that Delta Air Lines flies to from Midway International Airport include:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Sky Harbor International Airport
- Tampa International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
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Porter Airlines
In March 2020, Porter Airlines suspended all flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline returned to service in September 2021 and has since expanded its operations, including flying out of Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa's Macdonald–Cartier International Airport. Porter Airlines has also increased its flights from Vancouver to Toronto and Montreal for the 2025 summer season, with domestic flights now accounting for 80% of its schedule.
The airline offers a range of services and amenities, including a no middle seat configuration, complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, premium snacks, and free Wi-Fi on its new jets. Passengers can also take advantage of the Porter app to customise their trips.
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Allegiant Air
Chicago Midway International Airport has only one main terminal, divided into three concourses: A, B, and C. To check in for an Allegiant Air flight, passengers need to go to the departures zone of the terminal or follow the instructions provided on their ticket. Allegiant Air's on-time performance at Chicago Midway Airport has been relatively good, with 85% of flights arriving on time over a three-month period. However, it is important to note that Allegiant Air only serves two destinations from Chicago Midway Airport.
The airport covers just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) and has four active runways. It 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 22,050,489 passengers in 2023. The airport was established in 1927 and served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944.
Chicago Midway International Airport is named after the Battle of Midway and has a rich history. It was originally named Chicago Air Park when it was built on a 320-acre plot in 1923 with one cinder runway mainly for airmail flights. In 1926, the city leased the airport, and in 1927 it was named Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1928, the airport had twelve hangars and four runways, and it claimed the title of the “World's Busiest” airport in 1932 with over 100,846 passengers on 60,947 flights.
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Volaris
Upon arrival at Midway International Airport, passengers on Volaris flights will disembark at Terminal A. From there, they can collect their luggage and proceed to their next destination using the terminal's amenities and transportation options, such as taxis, rideshares, or airport shuttles. The Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) train can also be used to access the various concourses and the main Jeppesen Terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
Midway International Airport is served by a range of prominent airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Porter Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines.
Southwest Airlines offers nonstop services to over 50 destinations globally, including Minneapolis/St. Paul, St. Louis, and Toronto.
Porter Airlines operates from Concourse A and offers flights to Toronto. They are known for their exceptional service, comfortable seating, and free snacks and beverages.
Yes, Volaris is a leading low-cost carrier in Mexico that connects Midway Airport to several destinations in Mexico, offering budget-friendly travel options. Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines are also known for their affordable travel experiences and low fares.










































