Roberta Aguirre
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is located 68 miles northwest of Chicago and covers over 3,000 acres of land. The airport was built on Camp Grant, a former US Army facility, with construction beginning in 1954. RFD is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, accommodating various large aircraft with its runway lengths of 10,000 and 8,200 feet. The airport has a dynamic history, evolving from a general aviation facility to a thriving commercial hub, offering both passenger and cargo services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicago Rockford International Airport |
| Location | Rockford, Illinois |
| Year of Construction | 1954 |
| Current Terminal Built | 1987 |
| Land Area | 3,000 acres |
| Runway Lengths | 10,000 ft and 8,200 ft |
| Cargo Facilities | UPS, Amazon, AAR Corp |
| Passenger Airlines | Allegiant Air |
| Passenger Destinations | Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Florida |
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What You'll Learn
Construction began in 1954
Construction of the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) began in 1954. Prior to this, the land that the airport now occupies was Camp Grant, a US Army facility that served as a training base and prisoner-of-war camp during World Wars I and II. In 1946, the State of Illinois adopted the Airport Authorities Act, and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority was formed. Two years later, in 1948, the Camp Grant land was officially transferred to the airport authority from the federal government.
The airport's construction started with 1,500 acres of the former Camp Grant facility, bordered by the Rock River to the north and the Kishwaukee River to the south. The airport has since expanded and evolved from a general aviation facility into a dynamic commercial service airport.
The first airline flights at RFD were operated by Mid-Continent Airlines in 1950. Braniff, a successor airline, pulled out in 1955, leaving Ozark as the sole carrier at the airport, having arrived in 1951. Ozark operated Douglas DC-9-10 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 aircraft, offering non-stop flights to Chicago O'Hare Airport and direct flights to Denver in 1976.
Today, RFD is located 68 miles northwest of Chicago and covers over 3,000 acres of land. The airport has state-of-the-art facilities, including runways of 10,000 feet and 8,200 feet in length, capable of accommodating any jet aircraft in operation today. RFD is a significant economic driver in the region, known for its fast-growing air cargo industry and role in global logistics and supply chains.
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Camp Grant land
The land on which the Chicago Rockford International Airport is located was once Camp Grant, a US Army facility named after American Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. Camp Grant was operational from 1917 to 1946, serving as a training base and a prisoner-of-war camp during World War I and II. In 1946, the State of Illinois adopted the Airport Authorities Act, which led to the creation of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority. Two years later, in 1948, the Camp Grant land was officially transferred to the airport authority by the federal government.
Of the 5,460 acres (plus a 6,000-acre rifle range) that made up Camp Grant, the airport authority acquired the western 1,500 acres, bordered by the Rock River to the north and the Kishwaukee River to the south. The airport began construction in 1954, and the last remaining Camp Grant buildings on the airport property were demolished in 1974.
Today, the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) spans over 3,000 acres and is located 68 miles northwest of Chicago. It is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and runway lengths of 10,000 and 8,200 feet, capable of accommodating any jet aircraft currently in operation. RFD is a significant economic driver in the region, catering to both passenger and cargo services.
RFD offers a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience, including free Wi-Fi, baggage assistance, and a friendly staff. It is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. In addition to passenger services, RFD is home to a thriving air cargo industry, with UPS's largest regional parcel-sorting centre and Amazon's second-largest air hub. The airport also has an aviation maintenance repair facility capable of servicing next-generation aircraft.
The airport has played a crucial role in promoting regional interaction and development, supporting tourism, and facilitating business logistics. It is a convenient alternative to Chicago's busy airports and a favourite among travellers seeking affordable and direct flights to popular vacation destinations.
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Current terminal built in 1987
The current terminal at Chicago Rockford International Airport was built in 1987 to expand airline service in Rockford. The airport, located 68 miles northwest of Chicago, is an important hub for the northern Illinois region and a convenient alternative to Chicago's bustling airports. It offers a range of facilities to enhance the travel experience for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, short lines to expedite check-in and security processes, complimentary baggage carts, and a free parking lot shuttle.
The history of the airport dates back to 1946 when the State of Illinois adopted the Airport Authorities Act, and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority was established. The airport was constructed on the former Camp Grant land, a US Army facility that served as a training base and prisoner of war camp during World War I and II. In 1954, construction of the airport and its terminal began, and in 1974, the remaining Camp Grant buildings on the airport property were demolished.
Over the years, the airport has evolved from a general aviation facility to a dynamic commercial service airport. It has continued to expand and now encompasses over 3,000 acres, with runways capable of accommodating various large aircraft. The airport is home to a growing air cargo industry, with UPS and Amazon having significant operations there.
The construction of the current terminal in 1987 was part of the airport's efforts to expand its passenger services. However, bus services to O'Hare International Airport remained a popular alternative for passengers. In 2001, scheduled passenger airline service at the airport ended, but it was restored in 2003 with a new focus on leisure-based travel and low-cost flights to Florida.
Today, Chicago Rockford International Airport continues to play a vital role in the local economy, supporting tourism, business logistics, and regional development. It offers convenient facilities and efficient ground transportation options, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking convenience and affordability.
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UPS cargo facilities opened in 1994
The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is located 68 miles northwest of Chicago and covers over 3,000 acres of land. In 1994, United Parcel Service (UPS) opened the first of two cargo facilities at the airport, marking a significant development in its history.
UPS's decision to establish a presence at RFD was influenced by the airport's centralised location in northern Illinois, which offered strategic advantages for cargo operations. The opening of the cargo facilities contributed to the airport's growing reputation as a hub for air cargo services. Today, RFD is recognised as one of the top cargo airports in the United States, playing a crucial role in global logistics and supply chains.
The UPS cargo facilities at RFD are expansive and well-equipped. The north cargo ramp, located next to the main terminal ramp, spans 50 acres and serves as the Rockford Regional Air Hub for UPS Airlines. This ramp can accommodate up to 40 jet aircraft, making it the largest ramp at the airport. The construction of this dedicated space allowed UPS to efficiently manage their cargo operations and consolidate their position as a key player in the air cargo industry.
The opening of the UPS cargo facilities in 1994 was a pivotal moment for RFD, as it attracted further cargo-related developments and investments. Over the years, RFD has continued to expand and enhance its cargo capabilities. For instance, in 2008, the airport constructed a third cargo ramp and a 72,000-square-foot warehouse southwest of the UPS ramp. Additionally, RFD is home to UPS's largest regional parcel-sorting centre, further emphasising the company's commitment to the airport.
Today, RFD handles a significant volume of cargo operations, with UPS operating approximately 13 daylight flights and 30 nighttime flights from Tuesday to Friday. These numbers surge during the peak season, typically from November to December, to meet increased demand. The airport's efficient cargo management and strategic location have contributed to its success as a cargo hub, making it an indispensable asset to the region's economy.
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Passenger service restored in 2003
The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is located 68 miles northwest of Chicago and covers over 3,000 acres of land. In 1946, the State of Illinois adopted the Airport Authorities Act, which led to the creation of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority. The airport was then constructed on the former site of Camp Grant, a US Army facility, with construction beginning in 1954.
Passenger service at RFD has had a tumultuous history. In the late 1970s, Coleman Air Transport had a small hub at RFD, but they lost their operating certificate and went out of business. The airport offered regional service to Chicago and other Midwest locations in the 1980s and 1990s, but many passengers opted for bus services or driving to Chicago instead. As a result, scheduled passenger airline service ended in 2001.
However, in 2003, RFD successfully restored passenger service. Instead of focusing on regional routes, the airport repositioned itself as an alternative for leisure travellers, offering low-cost flights to Florida. This new strategy proved effective, and RFD continues to be a popular airport for travellers seeking convenience and affordability. Today, RFD offers direct flights to sought-after vacation spots like Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa Bay, in addition to its cargo operations.
The airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including runways capable of accommodating any jet aircraft in operation today. It is also home to a rapidly growing air cargo industry, with UPS's largest regional parcel-sorting centre and Amazon's second-largest air hub. RFD is committed to creating opportunities for businesses and has attracted over $183 million in investments for infrastructure improvements.
With its central location in northern Illinois, RFD is easily accessible and provides a hassle-free experience with features like curbside drop-off, quick check-in, fast security lines, and inexpensive parking. The terminal is equipped with comfortable recreational facilities, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant journey for all passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Construction on the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) began in 1954.
The land that the airport now occupies was previously Camp Grant, a US Army facility that was in operation from 1917 to 1946. In 1948, the land was transferred to the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, which had been created in 1946.
The airport plays a significant role in supporting tourism, facilitating business logistics, and providing critical air service for the region. It is also home to a growing air cargo industry, including UPS' largest regional parcel-sorting centre.
