Airports Near Moline, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide

Moline, Illinois is served by the Quad City International Airport, which is just 5 miles from the city centre. The airport has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the 1920s, and has seen many airlines come and go over the years, including Braniff, which served Moline for over a decade, and United, which operated flights to and from the city for around 60 years. Today, the airport continues to serve travellers across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with daily departures.

Quad City International Airport

The closest airport to Moline, Illinois, is the Quad City International Airport, located just 5 miles from the city centre. The airport has a rich history, dating back to the earliest days of aviation. It was chosen as a control point for the first coast-to-coast flight in 1919 and has been a significant site for aviation milestones ever since. The airport covers 2,021 acres and boasts three runways, capable of accommodating any aircraft, regardless of the weather. The longest runway, 9/27, spans 10,002 feet, while runway 13/31 measures 7,301 feet, and runway 5/23 is 5,016 feet long.

In 2021, the airport announced a significant renovation project with an estimated cost of $20-$40 million. This project includes updates to the ticketing area, a wider TSA screening area, and the addition of modern amenities like an indoor/outdoor garden, observation deck, and solar panels. These improvements aim to enhance the airport's functionality and provide a more comfortable experience for travellers.

The airport has a processing room, an interview room, agricultural inspection space, offices, and holding cells for prohibited or detained passengers. It also serves as a hub for several airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. With its convenient location and modern facilities, Quad City International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting travellers to major destinations, offering a hassle-free travel experience.

Dubuque Regional Airport

The airport has a commendable safety record, recognised by the Federal Aviation Administration on multiple occasions. It consistently achieved perfect safety inspections in accordance with FAR Part 139, an accomplishment that sets it apart from other certified U.S. airports. This commitment to safety has been further highlighted by the Airport Safety Enhancement Award, which the airport received in 1994, 1997, 2000, and 2003.

In terms of historical airline services, Northwest Airlines, in partnership with Mesaba Airlines (Northwest Airlink), provided flights to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport in 2008. However, the merged Delta/Northwest Airlines discontinued these services in 2009. American Eagle also offered flights to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they reduced their schedule before eventually ending their last daily flight in September 2022. More recently, Avelo Airlines announced airline services to Orlando, Florida, in November 2022, but these flights transitioned to seasonal service in 2024.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

The airport covers a vast area of 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to numerous destinations worldwide, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. As of Summer 2024, it provides direct services to 249 destinations across these regions.

The history of O'Hare International Airport dates back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The site was chosen for its easy access to the workforce in Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time, as well as its proximity to railroads and distance from enemy threats. The airfield was initially known as Douglas Airport and played a crucial role in military operations.

Over time, O'Hare expanded and improved its facilities, attracting airlines and becoming a significant aviation hub. The opening of the Kennedy Expressway in 1960, which provided a direct link to downtown Chicago, was a pivotal development. By 1962, all fixed-wing scheduled airline flights had moved from Midway to O'Hare, solidifying its position as a leading airport. Today, O'Hare continues to be a crucial gateway to Chicago and the surrounding region, offering a wide range of travel options to destinations worldwide.

Chicago Midway International Airport

The airport covers just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) and has four active runways. Midway is a major base for Southwest Airlines, which carries more than 90% of the airport's passengers. The terminal complex, completed in 2001, features 43 gates with facilities for international travellers. The CTA rapid transit Orange Line provides transport to Downtown Chicago, connecting with other subway and elevated rapid transit lines.

Originally known as Chicago Air Park, Midway Airport was constructed on a 320-acre plot in 1923, initially with one cinder runway primarily for airmail flights. The airport changed hands in 1926 when the city leased it, and on December 12, 1927, it was renamed Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1928, the airport had expanded significantly, boasting twelve hangars and four runways equipped for night operations.

In the late 1970s, the shorter north-south and east-west runway pairs were closed, with some being converted into taxiways. The airport underwent a Terminal Development Program in 2004, adding 14 gates and improving facilities. In 2008, Porter Airlines, flying between Midway and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, was the only international route served from Midway after ATA Airlines ceased operations. However, in 2010, Volaris initiated flights between Guadalajara and Midway, restoring international service to the airport.

Des Moines International Airport

The closest major airport to Moline, Illinois, is the Quad City International Airport, which is just 5 miles from the city centre. Another airport that is relatively close by is the Des Moines International Airport, which is 179 miles from Moline, IL.

The Des Moines International Airport is located in Iowa and was established in 1933. The airport was originally built on 160 acres of farmland south of the city, but it has since expanded to cover 2,625 acres. The airport has had several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of new concourses and the remodelling of the terminal in 1970. In 1986, the airport was renamed the Des Moines International Airport to acknowledge the presence of a United States Customs Service office. The airport saw a record 2.48 million passengers in 2016, a 5% increase from 2015.

In 2022 and 2023, the airport underwent major construction, including the complete reconstruction of runway 05/23. As of September 2023, there are also plans to build a new terminal, which will replace the current one. The new terminal will have a minimum of 18 gates, with the option to expand up to 22 gates and include additional commercial aircraft parking spaces. The project is estimated to cost $769 million and is set to begin in 2024.

The Des Moines International Airport is home to several airlines, including Allegiant Air, which announced its base at the airport in 2021. The airport has also had its fair share of incidents, with a few notable crashes occurring over the years, including a Douglas C-47A cargo plane in 1978 and a Rockwell Aero Commander in 1985. Despite these incidents, the airport continues to be a busy and important hub for air travel in the region.

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