Where is mdw

Overview

Chicago Midway International Airport, identified by the IATA code MDW, is a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Originally opened in 1927 as Chicago Municipal Airport, it served as Chicago's primary airport until O'Hare International Airport surpassed it in the 1960s. The airport was renamed Midway in 1949 to honor the Battle of Midway, a pivotal naval engagement during World War II. Today, MDW operates as a key secondary airport for the Chicago metropolitan area, specializing in domestic flights and serving as a major hub for Southwest Airlines.

Midway Airport is situated at 5700 S. Cicero Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60638, approximately 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Chicago. The airport covers 640 acres (259 hectares) and features a single passenger terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C). Despite its smaller size compared to O'Hare, MDW handles significant passenger traffic, consistently ranking among the top 30 busiest airports in the United States. The airport's strategic location and efficient operations make it a popular choice for travelers seeking convenient access to Chicago's central business district.

How It Works

Chicago Midway International Airport operates as a vital transportation hub with specific infrastructure and operational characteristics.

• Terminal Layout and Operations: MDW features one main terminal building with three concourses (A, B, and C) containing 43 gates total. The terminal spans approximately 1.2 million square feet and handles over 250 daily flights. Concourse A primarily serves Southwest Airlines, while Concourses B and C accommodate other carriers including Delta and Porter Airlines. The airport's compact design allows for shorter walking distances between gates, with maximum walking time of about 15 minutes from security to the farthest gate.
• Runway Configuration: The airport operates with five runways, with the primary runway (13C/31C) measuring 6,522 feet (1,988 meters) in length. This configuration allows MDW to handle approximately 55 aircraft operations per hour during peak periods. The airport's runway system is designed primarily for narrow-body aircraft, making it ideal for domestic flights operated by airlines like Southwest. Advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) enable operations in various weather conditions with visibility as low as 1/2 mile.
• Passenger Processing: MDW processes over 20 million passengers annually through its security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates multiple security lanes with average wait times of 15-20 minutes during peak hours. The airport implemented automated screening lanes in 2019, increasing throughput by approximately 30%. Passenger facilities include 30 food and beverage outlets, 25 retail stores, and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
• Ground Transportation Network: The airport connects to Chicago's transit system via the CTA Orange Line, providing direct rail service to downtown Chicago in approximately 25 minutes. Additionally, MDW offers multiple ground transportation options including taxis, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), shuttle services, and rental cars from 8 companies. The airport's parking facilities provide over 7,000 spaces across multiple lots, with rates starting at $22 per day for economy parking.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Economic Impact: MDW generates approximately $4.5 billion in annual economic activity for the Chicago region and supports over 30,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The airport contributes significantly to tourism, with visitors spending an estimated $2.1 billion annually in the Chicago area. Southwest Airlines' hub operations at MDW create particularly strong economic benefits, with the airline employing over 4,000 people at the airport.
• Transportation Accessibility: Midway provides crucial air service access for Chicago's south and southwest sides, serving communities that might otherwise face transportation barriers. The airport's proximity to downtown (25 minutes via CTA Orange Line) makes it particularly valuable for business travelers and tourists. MDW's focus on domestic routes complements O'Hare's international services, creating a balanced airport system for the metropolitan area.
• Aviation System Efficiency: By handling primarily domestic traffic and narrow-body aircraft, MDW relieves congestion at O'Hare International Airport. This division of labor allows Chicago's airport system to process over 100 million passengers annually efficiently. Midway's specialized operations enable quicker turnarounds for airlines, with Southwest achieving average gate turnaround times of just 35 minutes.

Looking forward, Chicago Midway International Airport continues to evolve with planned infrastructure improvements and sustainability initiatives. The airport authority has committed $300 million to terminal modernization projects scheduled for completion by 2026, including upgraded passenger facilities and enhanced security systems. As air travel demand grows in the Chicago region, MDW's role as an efficient, accessible alternative to O'Hare will become increasingly important. The airport's strategic focus on domestic connectivity and operational efficiency positions it to serve Chicago's transportation needs effectively for decades to come, while ongoing investments ensure it remains competitive in the evolving aviation landscape.