Where is rfd airport

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: RFD Airport, officially known as Chicago Rockford International Airport, is located in Rockford, Illinois, approximately 90 miles west of downtown Chicago. It serves the northern Illinois region and has the IATA code RFD and ICAO code KRFD.

Key Facts

Chicago Rockford International Airport is located in Winnebago County, Illinois, at 7501 North Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61107.
The airport is situated about 90 miles (145 km) west of downtown Chicago.
RFD has one primary runway: Runway 9/27, which measures 9,001 feet (2,744 meters) in length.
It is classified as a non-hub primary commercial service airport by the FAA.
In 2022, RFD served over 120,000 passengers, marking a 17% increase from 2021.

Overview

Chicago Rockford International Airport, commonly referred to as RFD, is a public airport serving Rockford, Illinois, and the surrounding northern Illinois region. Located just off Interstate 90, RFD is strategically positioned between Chicago and the Wisconsin border, making it a convenient alternative for air travelers in the greater Midwest.

The airport supports both commercial and cargo operations, with passenger service provided by Allegiant Air. RFD also hosts significant freight operations, including Amazon Air’s regional hub, which began operations in 2014 and has since expanded its footprint.

Location: RFD is located at 7501 North Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois, in Winnebago County, approximately 10 miles northwest of downtown Rockford.
Distance from Chicago: The airport lies about 90 miles (145 km) west of downtown Chicago, making it accessible to residents of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Runway: The primary runway, 9/27, is 9,001 feet (2,744 meters) long and paved with asphalt, capable of handling large cargo and passenger aircraft.
FAA Classification: RFD is designated as a non-hub primary airport, meaning it handles less than 0.05% of total U.S. passenger boardings annually.
Passenger Traffic: In 2022, RFD recorded over 120,000 passengers, reflecting a steady recovery and growth in regional air travel demand.

How It Works

RFD functions as a regional airport with a focus on low-cost passenger service and major cargo logistics. Its operations are designed to support both commercial airlines and freight carriers efficiently.

Commercial Service:Allegiant Air is the sole passenger airline at RFD, offering nonstop flights to leisure destinations such as Orlando, Phoenix, and Las Vegas using MD-80 and Airbus A320 series aircraft.
Cargo Operations:Amazon Air operates a major hub at RFD, utilizing Boeing 767 freighters and supporting regional distribution across the U.S. since its 2014 launch.
Runway Capacity: The 9,001-foot runway allows RFD to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 767, essential for Amazon’s cargo operations.
Air Traffic Control: RFD is served by a federally staffed air traffic control tower operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, ensuring safe takeoffs and landings.
Terminal Facilities: The passenger terminal spans 36,000 square feet and includes TSA security, two gates, and basic amenities like concessions and seating.
Ground Access: RFD is accessible via Interstate 90 and is served by rental car agencies, taxis, and ride-sharing services for regional connectivity.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how RFD compares to other regional airports in the Midwest:

Airport	Distance from Chicago	Annual Passengers (2022)	Primary Airline	Cargo Hub
Chicago Rockford (RFD)	90 miles west	120,000	Allegiant Air	Yes (Amazon Air)
Chicago Midway (MDW)	15 miles southwest	8.5 million	Southwest Airlines	No
Chicago O'Hare (ORD)	17 miles northwest	75 million	United, American	Yes
Milwaukee (MKE)	90 miles north	4.1 million	Frontier, Delta	No
Peoria (PIA)	150 miles southwest	85,000	Allegiant, American	No

While RFD handles significantly fewer passengers than major hubs like O'Hare or Midway, its strategic role in cargo logistics—especially through Amazon Air—gives it outsized economic importance. Its focus on point-to-point leisure travel via Allegiant also differentiates it from larger, connection-oriented airports.

Why It Matters

RFD plays a critical role in regional economic development, particularly through job creation and infrastructure investment. Its unique blend of cargo and low-cost passenger service supports both local businesses and travelers.

Economic Impact: Amazon Air’s hub at RFD has created over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Rockford area since 2014.
Cost Efficiency: Passengers benefit from lower average fares compared to Chicago airports due to Allegiant’s ultra-low-cost carrier model.
Regional Connectivity: RFD provides air access to a region that lacks major airport infrastructure, improving mobility for northern Illinois residents.
Cargo Expansion: The airport’s cargo facilities have expanded by over 500,000 square feet since 2018 to meet growing demand.
Infrastructure Investment: Winnebago County has invested over $25 million in upgrades to runways, taxiways, and terminal facilities since 2020.
Sustainable Growth: RFD is exploring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnerships and solar energy projects to reduce its carbon footprint.

As air travel patterns evolve and e-commerce continues to grow, RFD is well-positioned to expand its role as a key logistics and regional travel hub in the Midwest.