Where is mdw airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: MDW Airport is Chicago Midway International Airport, located at 5700 S. Cicero Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60638, approximately 8 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. It serves as a major hub for Southwest Airlines and handled 20.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the 27th-busiest airport in the United States.

Key Facts

Located at 5700 S. Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, approximately 8 miles southwest of downtown Chicago
Served 20.8 million passengers in 2023, ranking as the 27th-busiest airport in the United States
Covers 640 acres with 5 concourses (A, B, C, D, E) and 43 gates
Opened in 1927 as Chicago Municipal Airport and was renamed Midway Airport in 1949
Southwest Airlines operates over 200 daily departures, making it the airport's dominant carrier

Overview

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major aviation facility located in the southwestern part 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 in 1949 to honor the Battle of Midway during World War II, reflecting its historical significance in both aviation and military contexts.

Today, MDW operates as a crucial secondary airport for the Chicago metropolitan area, specializing in domestic flights with a focus on low-cost carriers. The airport covers 640 acres and features a single terminal building with five concourses (A through E) containing 43 gates total. Its strategic location just 8 miles from downtown Chicago makes it particularly popular with business travelers and tourists seeking convenient access to the city center.

How It Works

MDW functions as a modern medium-hub airport with specific operational characteristics that distinguish it from larger international facilities.

Terminal Layout and Operations: The airport features a single terminal building with five concourses arranged in a semi-circular design around a central security checkpoint. This layout allows for efficient passenger flow, with average security wait times typically under 15 minutes during normal operations. The terminal contains 43 gates across its concourses, with Concourse A primarily serving Southwest Airlines, which operates over 200 daily departures from MDW.
Air Traffic and Runway Configuration: MDW operates with three runways: 4L/22R (6,522 feet), 4R/22L (5,507 feet), and 13C/31C (6,445 feet). The airport handles approximately 250,000 aircraft operations annually, with peak hours seeing up to 60 takeoffs and landings per hour. Due to its urban location and shorter runways compared to O'Hare, MDW primarily accommodates narrow-body aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s.
Ground Transportation Network: The airport connects to Chicago's transit system through the CTA Orange Line, which provides direct rail service to downtown Chicago in approximately 25 minutes. Additionally, MDW offers multiple parking options with over 8,000 spaces, taxi and rideshare services from designated areas, and shuttle connections to rental car facilities located off-site. The airport's compact size allows for walking distances of under 10 minutes from security to any gate.
Passenger Services and Amenities: MDW provides standard airport amenities including 45 dining and retail establishments, free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, multiple airline lounges, and family facilities. The airport has implemented $300 million in recent renovations, adding modern seating areas, upgraded restrooms, and improved wayfinding signage. Special services include a USO lounge for military personnel and TSA PreCheck enrollment on-site.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Chicago Midway (MDW)	Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Distance from Downtown	8 miles (13 km)	17 miles (27 km)
Annual Passengers (2023)	20.8 million	73.9 million
Primary Airlines	Southwest (dominant)	United, American (major hubs)
Runway Length (longest)	6,522 feet	13,000 feet
International Destinations	Limited (Canada, Mexico)	Over 60 countries
Average Security Wait Time	Under 15 minutes	20-30 minutes

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's operations contribute significantly to local businesses, particularly in the surrounding neighborhoods of Chicago Lawn and West Lawn, where many airport employees reside.
Transportation Accessibility: As the closest major airport to downtown Chicago, MDW provides critical access for business travelers, with 35% of its passengers traveling for business purposes. The airport's connection to the CTA Orange Line offers affordable public transit options that reduce traffic congestion and provide reliable service even during peak travel times.
Aviation Market Competition: MDW's dominance by Southwest Airlines has helped maintain competitive airfares in the Chicago market, with average domestic fares typically 15-20% lower than those from O'Hare for comparable routes. This competition benefits approximately 10 million leisure travelers annually who choose MDW for its cost-effective options.

Looking forward, Chicago Midway International Airport continues to evolve with planned infrastructure improvements and sustainability initiatives. The airport's $300 million capital improvement program includes terminal modernization, enhanced security technology, and environmental upgrades aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 25% by 2030. As air travel demand recovers and grows, MDW's strategic position as Chicago's convenient, efficient secondary airport ensures it will remain vital to the region's transportation network while adapting to changing passenger needs and environmental standards.