Lois Larson
Chicago Midway International Airport, often referred to as just Midway Airport, is a major commercial airport in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1927, it was originally named Chicago Municipal Airport and served as the city's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. In 1949, the airport was renamed Midway Airport in honour of the famous Battle of Midway in the Pacific during World War II. The name was proposed by the Chicago Aero Commission, who felt that municipal was a clumsy word. The now-defunct Midway Airlines, which was headquartered at the airport, took its name from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| IATA | MDW |
| ICAO | KMDW |
| FAA LID | MDW |
| Location | Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois |
| Distance from Chicago's Loop business district | 12 miles |
| Established | 1927 |
| Former name | Chicago Municipal Airport |
| Renamed | 1949 |
| Renamed in honor of | Battle of Midway |
| Type | Major commercial airport |
| Airlines with highest number of flights | Southwest Airlines, Frontier, Allegiant, Porter Airlines, Volaris, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines |
| Number of passengers in 2023 | 22,050,489 |
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What You'll Learn
The airport was named after the Battle of Midway
Chicago Midway International Airport, located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1927 and served as the city's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944 or 1955. The airport was originally named Chicago Municipal Airport until 1949 when it was renamed Midway Airport in honor of the famous Battle of Midway in the Pacific during World War II.
The Battle of Midway was a significant naval battle that took place in the Pacific Ocean from June 4 to June 7, 1942, between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was a decisive victory for the United States, as it marked a turning point in the war and halted the Japanese advance in the Pacific. The battle was named after the Midway Atoll, a small ring of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, which was the site of the battle.
The Chicago Aero Commission proposed renaming the airport to Chicago Midway Airport, as the previous name, "Municipal," was considered clumsy and less inspiring. The new name was both descriptive and inspiring, and it also paid tribute to the brave men who fought in the Battle of Midway.
The airport has a special dedication plaque that reads: "Dedicated in honor of Chicago airmen who served their country in World War II and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice, 1941-1945." This plaque further emphasizes the connection between the airport and the memory of those who served in World War II, including the Battle of Midway.
The name "Midway" also has a practical aspect to it. The airport is situated in the middle of Chicago, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. This central location played a crucial role in the airport's revival, attracting low-cost carriers and providing convenient access to downtown Chicago for both businessmen and tourists.
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It was once Chicago's primary airport
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 or 1955.
During the 1930s, Midway Airport established Chicago as a major transportation hub, ranking 28th out of 35 major airports in 2012. By 1952, passenger volume had reached 5 million, and passenger numbers peaked at 10 million in 1959, making it the busiest airport in the world at the time.
In the 1950s, larger jetliners such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 were introduced, but Midway's runways were too short to accommodate them safely. As a result, Chicago jet flights were redirected to O'Hare International Airport, which had opened in 1955. Despite this, Midway remained operational, with airlines such as Chicago Helicopter and United utilising the airport until the opening of O'Hare's new terminal in 1962.
In 1967, reconstruction began at Midway, adding three new concourses with 28 gates and three ticket counters. The city invested $10 million in renovation funds in 1968, marking the beginning of Midway's revival. In 1978, the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) approved Midway Airlines to operate from the airport, offering discounted fares to major cities. This decision was pivotal in saving Midway Airport from potential closure, as it struggled to compete with the larger and more successful O'Hare International Airport.
Today, Midway Airport is Chicago's second-largest airport, serving over 22 million passengers in 2023. It is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers. The airport's convenient location and manageable size continue to attract low-cost carriers and passengers alike.
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It was almost shut down in 1978
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport in Chicago, Illinois, located about 12 miles from the city's Loop business district. It was established in 1927 and served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1955.
In the late 1970s, Midway Airport was almost shut down. The airport had been in decline since the completion of O'Hare Airport in the 1960s, and by 1978, it had reached its lowest point, serving only two daily Delta Air Lines flights to St. Louis. The decline of the airport had a negative impact on the surrounding businesses, including motels, hotels, bars, and restaurants. The main reason for Midway's decline was its inability to accommodate larger jetliners due to its limited runway length and its landlocked position, surrounded by buildings on all sides. As a result, airlines began to consolidate their flights at O'Hare, which had longer runways and could better accommodate the newer, larger aircraft.
However, Midway Airlines, a startup airline, stepped in and saved the airport from extinction. Taking advantage of the airport's proximity to downtown Chicago, the airline launched operations in 1979 with Douglas DC-9 jets, specifically catering to businessmen and tourists. The success of Midway Airlines attracted other low-cost carriers to the airport, and by the early 1980s, Midway was on its way to revival.
Today, Midway Airport is one of the busiest airports in the nation, serving over 22 million passengers annually. It is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers. The airport has undergone significant expansion and development since its near shutdown, with new terminals, concourses, and improved access.
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It was saved by the now-defunct Midway Airlines
Midway Airlines, now defunct, was headquartered at Chicago Midway Airport and took its name from the airport. The airline was incorporated on October 13, 1976, by Kenneth T. Carlson, Irving T. Tague, and William B. Owens. It was notable for reviving the airport, which was almost deserted when Midway Airlines started operations.
The airline commenced operations on November 1, 1979 and pursued at least three distinct business models during its existence. It began as a discount carrier, transitioned to an all-business-class airline, and eventually operated as a conventional hub carrier. Despite never achieving consistent profitability, Midway Airlines survived the 1980s, a feat that eluded many larger or more prominent airlines.
However, Midway Airlines' demise came in the early 1990s when it attempted to expand by purchasing the Philadelphia hub of bankrupt Eastern Air Lines. This led to a Chapter 11 filing in March 1991. Although a deal was initially struck to sell the company to Northwest Airlines, the deal fell through, and the airline ceased operations in November 1991.
The story of Midway Airlines is intertwined with that of Chicago Midway Airport. The airline brought new life to the airport, and its legacy is a testament to the evolution of the airline industry in the United States, particularly the shift towards deregulation and low-cost air travel.
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It's Chicago's second-largest airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1927, it served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944 or 1955. Today, it is Chicago's second-largest airport, serving 22,050,489 passengers in 2023. That number represents a slight decrease from 2012, when there were 249,913 takeoffs and landings, and a total of 9.67 million departing passengers.
The airport is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Chicago's Loop business district and is divided between the Clearing and Garfield Ridge communities. It is named after the famous Battle of Midway in the Pacific during World War II. The now-defunct Midway Airlines, which was headquartered at the airport, also took its name from it.
The history of Chicago Midway International Airport can be traced back to the 1930s when it established Chicago as a major transportation hub. By 1952, passenger volume had reached 5 million, and by 1959, passenger numbers had peaked at 10 million, making it the busiest airport in the world. However, with the opening of O'Hare Airport in the 1960s and 1970s, Midway's market share dropped significantly. By 1978, the airport was only servicing two daily Delta Air Lines flights to St. Louis and was at risk of shutting down.
The airport was saved by the now-defunct Midway Airlines, which commenced operations in 1979 with flights to Kansas City, Detroit, and Cleveland. By offering nonstop flights at discounted fares to major cities, Midway Airlines revitalised the airport, attracting other low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines, which started flights in 1985 and became the leading carrier at Midway. Today, Southwest operates 229 daily departures from Midway, making it the airline's second-biggest hub.
In the early 2000s, ATA Airlines, which was based in Indianapolis, also began rapid expansion at Midway, becoming the airport's dominant carrier until it declared bankruptcy in 2004. In 2002, Midway welcomed the return of international service after a 40-year absence, and in 2004, the Midway Airport Terminal Development Program was completed, adding 14 gates. Today, Midway offers 220 daily direct flights to 75 destinations across the United States and ten daily flights to 11 international destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport was named in honour of the Battle of Midway in the Pacific during World War II.
The Battle of Midway was a famous battle that took place in the Pacific during World War II. It was a major victory for the United States and its allies, and it honoured the Chicago airmen who served in World War II.
Yes, the name "Midway" is also descriptive of the airport's location, as it is situated midway between the city's Clearing and Garfield Ridge communities. Additionally, an airline called Midway Airlines was based at Midway Airport and took its name from the airport.
