Lois Larson
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the city's Loop business district. Originally named Chicago Air Park, it was established in 1923 and served as the city's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in the nation and the second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Explore related products
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. It is one of the leading point-to-point airports in the United States, generating more than $6 billion annually and creating over 85,000 jobs. The airport is named in honour of the Battle of Midway and is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Chicago's Loop business district.
The history of Midway International Airport dates back to the early days of aviation. Originally known as Chicago Air Park, the airport was established in 1923 on a 320-acre plot with a single cinder runway primarily dedicated to airmail flights. In 1926, the city leased the airport, and on December 12, 1927, it was officially named Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1928, the airport had expanded significantly, boasting twelve hangars and four runways equipped for night operations. However, a major fire in June 1930 destroyed two hangars and numerous aircraft, causing losses exceeding two million dollars.
Despite this setback, the airport continued to grow and thrive. In 1931, a new passenger terminal opened on 62nd Street, and by 1932, Midway claimed the title of the "World's Busiest" airport, handling over 100,846 passengers on 60,947 flights. The airport underwent further expansion between 1938 and 1941, filling the entire square mile of available land. During this period, it faced competition from New York's LaGuardia Airport, which held the title of the busiest airline airport in the United States until Midway surpassed it in 1948, retaining the top spot until 1960.
In 1944, Midway International Airport was replaced by O'Hare International Airport as Chicago's primary airport. However, Midway continued to play a significant role in aviation. In 1945, the record-breaking Japan-Washington flight of B-29s refuelled at the airport en route to Washington, DC. In July 1949, the airport was officially renamed Chicago Midway International Airport after the Battle of Midway, and that year, it served 3.2 million passengers.
In the late 1950s, Midway faced challenges accommodating larger four-engine jetliners due to its limited runway length. As a result, jet flights were redirected to O'Hare, which further solidified its position as Chicago's primary airport. Despite this, Midway remained operational, and in 1967, reconstruction efforts began, adding new concourses, gates, and ticket counters. The city invested $10 million in renovation funds in 1968, demonstrating its commitment to the airport's continued development.
In 1982, the city of Chicago acquired Midway Airport from the Chicago Board of Education for $16 million. Southwest Airlines began operations at Midway in 1985, and it has since become a significant base for the airline, carrying over 90% of the airport's passengers. The airport has undergone various improvements and expansions over the years, including the addition of new concourses and gates, enhancing its capacity and functionality.
Norway's Airport Network: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Location and transport links
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 surrounded by buildings. The airfield is located in a square mile bounded by 55th and 63rd Streets, Central and Cicero Avenues, with the address 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638.
The airport is one of the leading point-to-point airports in the United States, generating more than $6 billion annually and creating over 85,000 jobs. It is a major commercial airport, serving 22,050,489 passengers in 2023, making it the second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area and Illinois. The airport offers a range of services, including ground transportation, restaurants, and retail shops, as well as online information on parking, flights, hotels, and motels.
Chicago Midway International Airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1927, when it was known as Chicago Municipal Airport. It served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. The airport was originally built on a 320-acre plot in 1923 as Chicago Air Park, with one cinder runway mainly for airmail flights. By 1928, it had expanded to twelve hangars and four runways, operating night flights. In 1931, a new passenger terminal opened at 62nd St, and the airport claimed to be the "'World's Busiest' in 1932, with over 100,846 passengers on 60,947 flights.
The airport is well-connected to the city's transport network. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a reliable bus service and a colour-coded train network, including subway trains. The CTA Orange Line connects Midway Airport to the Loop, traversing the southwestern section of the city. The train service runs from approximately 4:00 am to 1:00 am, with trains arriving at intervals of about 8 minutes. Additionally, affordable taxi cabs are available, and for overnight travel, the N62 Archer bus provides an alternative transportation option.
MSP Airport: Busiest Times and Why
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Passenger numbers and airlines
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 1944 when O'Hare International Airport opened. Despite no longer being Chicago's primary airport, Midway remains 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, Midway served 22,050,489 passengers.
The airport is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the passengers at the airport. The defunct Midway Airlines, once headquartered at Midway, took its name from the airport. Other airlines that operate at Midway include Vanguard Airlines, which used Midway as a focus city from 1997 to 2000, and Porter Airlines, which flies between Midway and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Volaris also operates flights between Guadalajara and Midway.
Historically, Midway has seen a number of airlines operate through its facilities. In 1939, the Official Aviation Guide (OAG) listed 47 weekday departures, including 13 on United, 13 on American, 9 on TWA, 4 on Northwest, and 2 each on Eastern, Braniff, Pennsylvania Central, and C&S. In 1945, the airport served as a refuelling stop for the record-breaking Japan–Washington flight of B-29s. In 1948, Midway surpassed New York's LaGuardia Airport to become the busiest airline airport in the United States, a title it held until 1960.
In the late 1950s, Midway's inability to accommodate larger four-engine jetliners like the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8 led to a decline in its passenger numbers as jet flights were redirected to O'Hare International Airport. From July 1962 to July 1964, Midway's only scheduled airline was Chicago Helicopter. However, reconstruction efforts in the late 1960s added new concourses and ticket counters, attracting the return of major airlines.
Uber in Dubai Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The airport's economic impact
Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the city's Loop business district. It is one of the leading point-to-point airports in the United States, serving over 22 million passengers in 2023 and contributing significantly to the local economy.
The airport generates over $6 billion annually and supports more than 85,000 jobs, making it a vital economic hub for the region. Southwest Airlines, the airport's primary carrier, estimates its economic impact on Chicago to be $8 billion annually. This includes the creation and support of thousands of jobs, both within the airline and across the wider airport ecosystem of hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and other services.
MDW's role as a base for Southwest Airlines is a significant driver of its economic impact. Southwest carries over 90% of the airport's passengers and has invested heavily in its presence there, including strategic acquisitions and infrastructure developments. The airline's focus on offering easy access to Chicago's downtown and convenient connections to other destinations has made MDW an attractive option for business and leisure travellers alike.
The airport also contributes to economic development in the area through tourism promotion and business development initiatives. MDW provides online information and resources for visitors, including accommodation and transportation options, enhancing the overall visitor experience and driving local economic activity.
Additionally, MDW has been pivotal in the history of aviation in Chicago. Established in 1927, it served as the city's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International in 1944. MDW has since faced challenges due to its limited expansion capabilities, but continuous improvements and investments, such as the Terminal Development Program in the early 2000s, have ensured its continued relevance and impact on the local economy.
Airports: A Gateway to the World for Millions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's food and drink options
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 12 miles from the city's Loop business district. The airport is one of the busiest in the nation, serving over 22 million passengers in 2023.
When it comes to food and drink options, MDW offers a wide range of choices to suit different tastes and budgets. Here is an overview of the dining options available at the airport:
Concourse A
Concourse A boasts a variety of local dining options. For coffee lovers, Big Shoulder Coffee is a great choice for a quick caffeine fix. Nuts on Clark is perfect for those who want snacks, drinks, and even some reading materials or souvenirs. Billy Goat Tavern & Grill is known for its beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. Other options include Reilly's Daughter, Fuel Bar, and Arami, a lauded sushi spot.
Concourse B
Concourse B offers a diverse range of food options, including Dunkin' Donuts Express for coffee and doughnut cravings, Big City Chicken for buttermilk-brined chicken sandwiches, and The Orange Line for those seeking a taste of something different. PorkChop is another popular choice for travellers.
Concourse C
Concourse C is home to Farmer's Fridge, a unique restaurant offering healthy food options. Their meals are made from scratch using whole foods and delivered to fridges for customers to enjoy. You can find fresh salads, grain bowls, and other nutritious options here.
Central Market Area
The Central Market area at MDW provides additional dining choices. Nuts on Clark has a presence here as well, offering snacks and drinks through vending machines. M Burger is a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts, while Beecher's Handmade Cheese caters to cheese lovers with options like grilled cheese and tomato soup. Harry Caray's Shortstop, named after the famed broadcaster, offers a fully stocked bar along with breakfast, burgers, and wings.
Other Options
MDW also has various other dining establishments scattered throughout the airport. White Sox Bar & Grill offers a ballpark-inspired dining experience, while Gold Coast Dogs serves up Chicago-style hot dogs. Woodgrain is the place to go for custom-made pizza, and Pegasus on the Fly provides filling lunch options. America's Dog & Burger, Big Bowl, and Einstein Bros. Bagels are also available for travellers seeking a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
Understanding Airport Transit Zones: A Traveler's Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
MDW, or Chicago Midway International Airport, is located on the southwest side of Chicago, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the city's Loop business district.
The address of the airport is 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, US.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a reliable bus service and a colour-coded train network, including subway trains. The CTA Orange Line connects Midway Airport to the Loop area in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Originally named Chicago Air Park, Midway Airport was built on a 320-acre plot in 1923. The airport was leased by the city in 1926 and renamed Chicago Municipal Airport on December 12, 1927. It served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944.
Midway International Airport offers ground transportation services and features restaurants and retail shops. The airport provides online information on area hotels, motels, and transportation providers, as well as online parking and flight information.
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![2 Pack - World Map Poster & USA Map Chart [Tan/Color] (LAMINATED, 18” x 29”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1aLNThapcS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
