Jazmin Li
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Originally named Chicago Air Park, the airport was established in 1927 and served as Chicago's primary airport until 1944 when O'Hare International Airport opened. MDW is named after the Battle of Midway, a significant World War II battle in which many men with ties to Chicago participated.
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What You'll Learn
Chicago Midway International Airport's history
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.
Originally named Chicago Air Park, Midway Airport was built on a 320-acre plot in 1923 with a single cinder runway, mainly for airmail flights. In 1926, the city leased the airport, and on December 12, 1927, it was named Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1928, the airport had expanded to twelve hangars and four runways, which were lit up for night operations. However, a major fire on June 25, 1930, destroyed two hangars and 27 aircraft, causing a loss of over two million dollars.
In July 1949, the airport was renamed Chicago Midway International Airport after the Battle of Midway. That year, Midway handled 3.2 million passengers, and by 1959, passenger traffic peaked at 10 million. However, the airport's proximity to surrounding buildings hindered its expansion plans, and it struggled to accommodate larger four-engine jetliners introduced in 1959.
Reconstruction efforts began in 1967, adding new concourses, gates, and ticket counters. In 1968, the city invested $10 million in renovation funds, attracting major airlines back to Midway. Southwest Airlines began operations at Midway in 1985 and has since become the airport's primary carrier, handling over 90% of its passenger traffic.
The terminal complex was completed in 2001, featuring 43 gates and facilities for international passengers. The Chicago 'L' Orange Line, launched in 1993, connects Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago and other rapid transit lines. The airport continues to undergo enhancements, including the addition of a new walkway and food court in Concourse A during the 2010 expansion project.
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The Battle of Midway
Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW) in Chicago, Illinois, is named after the Battle of Midway, a World War II naval battle fought between the United States and Japan. The battle, which took place from June 3 to June 6, 1942, was a pivotal moment in the war and had a significant impact on the course of the conflict in the Pacific.
The US commander of the Pacific Fleet, Chester Nimitz, sent a large force under Frank Jack Fletcher to the Midway area before the Japanese arrived. On June 4, land-based planes from Midway and carrier-based planes from the US fleet launched a surprise attack on the Japanese force led by Vice Admiral Chūichi Nagumo. All four Japanese fleet carriers present—the Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, and Hiryū—were sunk, along with the heavy cruiser Mikuma. Japan lost 3,000 men, including many well-trained pilots who were challenging to replace. In comparison, the US lost the carrier Yorktown and the destroyer Hammann.
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The airport's location
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the city's Loop business district. The airport is divided between the Clearing and Garfield Ridge communities and is bounded by 55th and 63rd Streets, Central and Cicero Avenues.
The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with the CTA rapid transit Orange Line providing a direct connection to Downtown Chicago and other subway/elevated rapid transit lines. The Orange Line runs from approximately 4:00 am to 1:00 am, offering an efficient and convenient travel option for passengers. The journey from Midway to the Loop takes around 25 minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to get into the city.
In terms of driving, Midway International Airport is conveniently located near several major roadways. The Stevenson Expressway, for example, was constructed in part with funds from the city's investment in renovation funds for the airport. This expressway helps to facilitate easy access to the airport for those travelling by car.
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Airlines that use MDW
MDW stands for Chicago Midway International Airport, a major commercial airport on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Midway Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving 22,050,489 passengers in 2023.
Chicago Midway Airport is served by numerous domestic airlines flying to and from Chicago throughout the USA. Southwest Airlines is the main airline that uses MDW, carrying over 90% of the airport's passengers. Southwest Airlines began operating at Midway in 1985, and the airport serves as a base for the airline.
Historically, MDW was the main hub for Indianapolis-based ATA, but the airline ceased operations in 2008. Vanguard Airlines also used MDW as a focus city from 1997 to 2000.
Other airlines that have used MDW include:
- Chicago Helicopter
- United
- McDonnell Douglas
- BAC One-Eleven
- Boeing
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- REAL (of Brazil)
- Porter Airlines
- Volaris
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Renovations and upgrades
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve facilities.
In 1967, the airport underwent a major reconstruction project, adding three new concourses with 28 gates and three ticket counters. This renovation also included the construction of the Stevenson Expressway, which improved access to the airport. During this time, the airport saw the return of major airlines, with smaller-capacity, shorter-range aircraft that could utilise Midway's runways.
In 1982, the city of Chicago purchased Midway Airport from the Chicago Board of Education for $16 million, demonstrating its commitment to investing in and developing the airport. This ownership change likely led to further upgrades and improvements to the airport's infrastructure.
Another significant upgrade to the airport's connectivity occurred in 1993, when the Chicago Transit Authority created a new CTA terminal at the airport, launching the Chicago 'L' Orange Line. This rapid transit line connects Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago and other subway/elevated rapid transit lines, enhancing the airport's accessibility for passengers and employees.
The terminal complex at Midway Airport was completed in 2001. It features a modern design, with the terminal bridging Cicero Avenue and offering 43 gates, including facilities for international passengers. This upgrade likely improved the overall passenger experience and enhanced the airport's capacity to handle the growing number of travellers passing through each year.
These renovations and upgrades have played a crucial role in ensuring the airport's ability to handle increasing passenger traffic and providing a safe and efficient travel experience. Chicago Midway International Airport continues to be one of the busiest airports in the nation, serving millions of passengers annually.
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Frequently asked questions
MDW stands for Midway Airport, Chicago.
The airport was renamed in July 1949 in honour of the Battle of Midway, which took place in June 1942. Many men with ties to Chicago helped win this battle.
MDW 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. In 2023, it served 22,050,489 passengers.
