
If you're planning a trip to Sterling, Illinois, you'll want to know which airport to fly into. Quad City International Airport (MLI / KMLI) is the closest major airport to Sterling, located 61-75 miles from the city centre. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD / KRFD) is another option, situated 63 miles from Sterling. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD / KORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW / KMDW) are also within a reasonable distance, at 112 and 117 miles away, respectively. When booking your flight, keep in mind that prices fluctuate with demand, so it's recommended to monitor prices and book within the optimal window of 21 to 45 days before departure to find the best deals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest major airport | Quad City International Airport (MLI / KMLI) |
| Distance to Sterling, IL | 61 miles |
| Location | Moline, Illinois |
| Flight type | Domestic |
| Other major airports | Chicago Rockford International Airport (63 miles from Sterling, IL) |
| --- | Peoria International Airport (85 miles from Sterling, IL) |
| Cheapest one-way airfare | $98 |
| Roundtrip airfare range | $195 - $354 |
| Airlines | American Airlines |
| Popular departure points | Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Quad City International Airport
The airport has a rich history in aviation. Franing Field, the site of the present-day airport, was chosen as a control point for the first coast-to-coast flight in 1919. In 1927, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at the airport to welcome Charles Lindbergh and his famous plane, the Spirit of St. Louis. In 1929, Phoebe Omlie set an altitude record above the airport in a Velie Monocoupe, the only plane ever manufactured in Moline. The current terminal was completed in 1985, and the airport has since undergone several renovations and expansions to update and improve its facilities.
In 2007, the airport set a passenger record, with a total of 966,142 enplaning and deplaning passengers. The airport offers flights to 12 destinations worldwide, with three airlines providing international connections.
The airport has a range of facilities, including a processing room, an interview room, space for agricultural inspections, office space, and holding cells for passengers who are prohibited from entering the US. Phase two of the renovation project will create an international terminal or Federal Inspection Service if the airport establishes nonstop international charter flights.
Designing Airports in P3D: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Chicago Rockford International Airport
The airport covers 2,900 acres and has two runways, both equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS). In 2017, the airport recorded 39,462 aircraft operations, averaging 108 per day. These operations included general aviation (61%), airline (31%), military (4%), and air taxi (3%) flights.
The airport has a varied history of airlines serving various destinations. In the 1950s, Mid-Continent Airlines began operating at the airport, followed by Ozark in 1951 and Braniff in 1955. In the 1970s, Coleman Air Transport operated a small hub at RFD with plans to introduce nonstop flights to New York. However, they ceased operations before this could be realised. In the 1980s and 1990s, passengers could travel to O'Hare Airport in Chicago, but many opted for bus or car travel instead. In the 2000s, airlines such as United Express, Northwest Airlink, and Transmeridian Airlines served destinations like Denver, Detroit, and leisure-focused cities. Today, the airport markets itself as an alternative to larger Chicago airports and other nearby airports, providing low-cost flights to destinations like Florida and vacation spots like Cancún and Las Vegas.
Airports and Luggage Identification: What's the Protocol?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Chicago O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare has a long history, dating back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The site was originally known as Orchard Place and was once a small German-American farming community. The airport began as an airfield for the Douglas manufacturing plant, with the first scheduled passenger service in 1955. However, growth was initially slow, as airlines were reluctant to move from Midway, which was then the world's busiest airport. O'Hare's transition to a major airport began in 1958 with the opening of its first international terminal, and by 1962, all fixed-wing scheduled airline flights in Chicago had moved from Midway to O'Hare.
Today, O'Hare is a bustling airport, ranked as one of the busiest in the world. In 2019, it recorded 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, partly due to a large number of regional flights. As of Summer 2024, O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. It is considered the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport worldwide.
For those travelling to Sterling, IL, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a convenient option, located approximately 112 miles from the city. Flights to Sterling from Chicago, Dallas, and Charlotte airports are among the most popular choices.
Memphis Airport: Where Can You Find a Bar?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Chicago Midway International Airport
The airport covers just over one square mile (650 acres) and has four active runways. It is a major base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers. The terminal complex, completed in 2001, bridges Cicero Avenue and contains 43 gates with facilities for international passengers. The CTA rapid transit Orange Line provides transport to Downtown Chicago and connects with other subway and rapid transit lines.
Over the years, Chicago Midway International Airport has undergone several expansions and improvements, including the addition of gates and the development of a new walkway and food court in Concourse A. The airport has a rich history in aviation and continues to be a significant hub for travel to and from the Chicago area.
When searching for flights to Sterling, IL, it is worth noting that Chicago is a popular departure point, and flights to Sterling from Chicago, Dallas, and Charlotte airports are in high demand. It is recommended to book flights well in advance, as ticket prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches. Flexibility with travel dates, departure and arrival airports, and travel times can also help in finding cheaper fares.
Cambodia's Airports: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products

General Mitchell International Airport
Sterling, Illinois, is served by several airports, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport (112 miles away), Chicago Midway International Airport (117 miles away), and General Mitchell International Airport (154 miles away).
Travellers can find cheap flights to Sterling by being flexible with their travel dates, departure/arrival airports, times, and stops. It is recommended to start monitoring prices as early as possible, with the best deals often found between 21 and 45 days before takeoff. One-way flights to Sterling can be found for as low as $98, although these prices do fluctuate with demand.
Airports in Delhi NCR: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Quad City International Airport (MLI / KMLI) is the nearest major airport to Sterling, IL. It is 61 miles from the city centre.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 112 miles from Sterling, IL.
It is recommended to start looking for flights as soon as you know your travel dates and be ready to book when you see a bargain. The best time to book is between 21 and 45 days before takeoff.
Be sure to pack your passport or a valid ID, any medications and something to keep you comfortable during the flight, like a neck pillow.
There are 3 airlines that connect Sterling with 12 airports around the world, including American Airlines.









































