Chicago (Midway)

Chicago (Midway). Chicago Midway International Airport is a major commercial airport located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation, it serves as a primary domestic hub for Southwest Airlines and handles a significant portion of the region's low-cost carrier traffic. The airport is named after the Battle of Midway, a pivotal World War II naval engagement in the Pacific Theater.

History

The airport's origins trace back to 1923 when the site was selected as Chicago Municipal Airport, opening in 1927 on land originally occupied by the Chicago Board of Trade's golf course. It rapidly became the world's busiest airport by the late 1930s, a status it held until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in the post-war era. The facility was renamed Midway Airport in 1949 in honor of the Battle of Midway. Key developments include the construction of its first modern terminal in the 1950s and a massive, billion-dollar redevelopment program launched in the 1990s, which included a new terminal complex designed by the architectural firm Epstein. This redevelopment was crucial in re-establishing Midway as a major passenger facility, particularly after the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 and the rise of low-cost carriers.

Facilities and operations

The airport occupies 640 acres, making it a relatively compact, high-efficiency facility compared to other major airports. Its primary runway, 13C/31C, is 6,522 feet long, which constrains the types of aircraft that can operate there, favoring narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The single, multi-level terminal building houses three concourses (A, B, and C) with 43 gates. Notable features include the Midway Airport Control Tower, an Art Deco-inspired structure, and the William F. O'Connor United States Customs and Border Protection facility for limited international arrivals. The airport is a significant economic engine for the South Side, supporting thousands of jobs and managed under the oversight of the Chicago City Council and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Airlines and destinations

Chicago Midway is dominated by Southwest Airlines, which operates the vast majority of flights and uses the airport as one of its largest crew and maintenance bases. Other carriers include Delta Air Lines, which operates a focused service to its hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and several ultra-low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines and Volaris. The airport offers non-stop service to over 70 destinations across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with key routes to cities like Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Cancún. This portfolio solidifies Midway's role as a critical alternative to O'Hare International Airport for point-to-point, price-sensitive travel within the North American market.

Ground transportation

The airport is notably well-integrated into Chicago's public transit network via the CTA's Orange Line, which provides a direct rail connection to the Chicago Loop in approximately 25 minutes. Multiple Pace suburban bus routes serve the terminal, and the airport is a major node for taxi, rideshare, and rental car services. Major road access is provided by Interstate 55 (the Stevenson Expressway) and Cicero Avenue, though traffic congestion in the surrounding Chicago Lawn and Clearing neighborhoods can be significant during peak periods. The Chicago Department of Aviation also operates extensive parking facilities, including a multi-level garage adjacent to the terminal.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has been the site of several notable aviation accidents. The deadliest occurred on December 8, 1972, when United Airlines Flight 553, a Boeing 737, crashed during approach, killing 45 people, including United States Congresswoman Patsy Mink. Another significant accident was the crash of Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 on December 8, 2005, which overran the runway during a snowstorm, resulting in one fatality on the ground and leading to major investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board. These events have influenced safety procedures, runway engineering standards, and winter operation protocols at airports nationwide.