Midway Airport diagram

Chicago Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW, ICAO: KMDW, FAA LID: MDW), also known simply as Midway Airport or Midway, is an airport in Chicago, Illinois, United States, located on the city's southwest side, eight miles (13 km) from Chicago's Loop. An IATA airport code, also known an IATA location identifier, IATA station code or simply a location identifier, is a three-letter code designating many The ICAO (ˌaɪˌkeɪˈoʊ Airport code or location indicator is a four-letter Alphanumeric Code designating each airport around A location identifier is a symbolic representation for the name and the location of an Airport, navigation aid, or Weather station, and is used for manned Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. The term above mean sea level ( AMSL) refers to the Elevation (on the ground or Altitude (in the Air) of any object relative to the A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system. A runway ( RWY) is a strip of land on an Airport, on which Aircraft can take off and land. A runway ( RWY) is a strip of land on an Airport, on which Aircraft can take off and land. A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International Asphalt ( is a sticky black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude Petroleums and in some natural deposits sometimes termed asphaltum Concrete is a construction material composed of Cement (commonly Portland cement) as well as other cementitious materials such as Fly ash and Slag The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of An IATA airport code, also known an IATA location identifier, IATA station code or simply a location identifier, is a three-letter code designating many The ICAO (ˌaɪˌkeɪˈoʊ Airport code or location indicator is a four-letter Alphanumeric Code designating each airport around The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of A location identifier is a symbolic representation for the name and the location of an Airport, navigation aid, or Weather station, and is used for manned An airport is a location where Aircraft such as airplanes, Helicopters and blimps take off and land Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Population According to the 2000 Census, 16388 people live in the Loop The airport's current IATA code MDW has been in use since it was implemented in 1949 when Chicago Municipal Airport was renamed Chicago Midway Airport. ^[3] Clockwise from the north it is bordered by 55th Street, Cicero Avenue (terminal entrance), 63rd Street, and Central Avenue. The airport's northern half is within the Garfield Ridge community area, and the southern half is within the Clearing community area. General information Garfield Ridge is one of the community areas which border Midway Airport known collectively as just Midway The City of Chicago is divided into seventy-seven community areas. History The Clearing Industrial District was founded in 1907 The area gets its name from the fact that farm goods from the area were "cleared" (delivered through the airport The airport is managed by the Chicago Airport System, which also oversees operations at O'Hare International Airport and Gary/Chicago International Airport. Gary/Chicago International Airport is a public Airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of the Central business district of Gary, a ^[4] Midway is heavily used by low-cost carriers, such as AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines, and to a lesser extent by legacy carriers, such as Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines. AirTran Airways is a low-cost Airline that is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA and Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran Referring to the airline industry a " Legacy Carrier " is an airline revolving around a hub & spoke network and a corporate structure Delta Air Lines Inc ( is a United States Airline based and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Northwest Airlines Inc (often abbreviated NWA) is the principal subsidiary Both the Stevenson Expressway and Chicago Transit Authority's "L" Train Orange Line provide passengers access to downtown Chicago. The Stevenson Expressway is the major Interstate freeway leading southwest out of the city of Chicago in Illinois. Chicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA, is the operator of mass transit within the City of Chicago, Illinois. The 'L' (variously and sometimes, styled "L" El EL or L) is a Rapid transit system that serves the city of The Orange Line (Midway Service, is a rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois run by the Chicago Transit Authority as part of the 'L' system Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States.

Chicago Midway Airport is the second largest passenger airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, and is the second busiest in the state of Illinois after Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The Chicago metropolitan area is the Metropolitan area associated with the city of Chicago in the United States and its suburbs The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. ^[5] In 2007, 19,378,885 passengers traveled through Chicago Midway, second behind O'Hare International Airport, and ahead of Gary/Chicago International Airport and Chicago Rockford International Airport. Gary/Chicago International Airport is a public Airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of the Central business district of Gary, a Chicago Rockford International Airport or Greater Rockford Airport, is a General aviation and commercial airport in Winnebago County, Illinois ^[6] In 2005, Chicago Midway International Airport was the 30th busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger traffic. ^[7] In its 80-year history of passenger traffic, Midway Airport has had 21 incidents and accidents, and only one accident since 1976. Chicago Midway International Airport ranked third amongst large airports in the nation for "Best On-Time Arrival Rates" in June 2007, with 75. 4% of all flights (8,087) arriving on time, a 3. 8% increase from the previous year. . ^[8] Chicago Midway International Airport ranked highest in customer satisfaction among medium-sized airports (10 million to 30 million passengers per year) in J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 study. JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm founded in 1968 by James David Power III. ^[9]

Today, Midway Airport serves as a focus city for Dallas-based Southwest Airlines^[10] and Orlando-based AirTran Airways. In the Airline industry a focus city is a location that is not a hub, but from which the airline has non-stop flights to several destinations other than its hubs Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran Orlando is a major City in central Florida, USA and is the County seat of Orange County Florida. AirTran Airways is a low-cost Airline that is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA and For over 16 years, Chicago Midway International Airport had been the main hub for Indianapolis-based ATA Airlines (ATA), but that service was reduced to four destinations in November 2007, and was scheduled to end by June 7, 2008^[11][12] before the airline filed for bankruptcy in April 2008, immediately discontinuing all flights. An airline hub is an Airport that an airline uses as a transfer point to get passengers to their intended destination ATA Airlines Inc, formerly known as American Trans Air, was an American low-cost scheduled service and Charter airline based in Indianapolis Events 1099 - The First Crusade: The Siege of Jerusalem begins 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[13][14]

Southwest is the dominant carrier at Midway, controlling 29 of the airport's 43 gates. Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran Currently, the airline offers 227 daily departures to 47 destinations. ^[15] AirTran is the second largest carrier, occupying 5 out of the 43 gates at Midway, and offering over 20 daily nonstop flights to 6 destinations; 4 of which are served year-round. AirTran Airways is a low-cost Airline that is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA and ^[16]

Currently the city is seeking approval from the current airline carriers to auction a lease for the operation rights of the airport to a private company. Such a lease is estimated to be valued at $3 billion dollars for the city. Approval by five of the seven carriers is required. ^[17][18]

History

Early history

Originally named Chicago Air Park,^[19] Midway Airport was built on a 320-acre (1 km²) plot in 1923 and consisted of a single cinder runway that primarily served airmail services. A cinder is a pyroclastic material Cinders are extrusive Igneous rocks Cinders are similar to Pumice, which has so many cavities and is such low-density Airmail (or air mail) is Mail that is transported by Aircraft. The site was selected following the destruction of the Wingfoot Air Express when it crashed into the Illinois Trust and Savings Building, killing thirteen people, and the city decided to close the Grant Park air strip. The Wingfoot Air Express was a Dirigible that crashed into the Illinois Trust and Savings Building in Chicago on Monday July 21, 1919 In 1926, the Chicago City Council leased the land for commercial purposes from the Chicago Board of Education at a rate of $1560 per year. The Chicago City Council is the Legislative branch of the Government of the City of Chicago in Illinois. Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. ^[19] On December 12, 1927, Midway was dedicated as Chicago Municipal Airport by Chicago Mayor William H. Thompson,^[3] and became known as "Munie" to many early pilots. Events 627 - Battle of Nineveh: A Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeats Emperor Khosrau II 's Persian Year 1927 ( MCMXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Mayors of Chicago, Illinois, current or previous The mayoral term in Chicago was two years from 1837 through 1907 at which time it was lengthened to four William H Thompson can refer to William Henry Thompson (1853-1937 U The unique one-square-mile footprint of Midway Airport is due to its connection to the Chicago Board of Education. When the state of Illinois was created, land was divided into townships. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. Each township included a one-square-mile (640 acre) section devoted to education. A township in the United States refers to a small geographic area In most instances, one-room school houses were located on this land, the balance of which was farmed to provide funds for the operation of the school. As township school districts consolidated, much of this excess land was typically sold for other purposes. The Chicago Board of Education continued to own the Midway Airport section and rent it to the City of Chicago for airport operations until 1982, when an education funding crisis forced the Board of Education to sell the land to the City of Chicago for $16 million. ^[20]

Chicago Midway Airport (formerly Chicago Municipal Airport) as it looked in 1927

During its first full year of operation in 1928, the airfield was home to twelve hangars and four runways, lit for night operations. A hangar is an enclosed structure to hold Aircraft in protective storage ^[20] Air traffic control was handled by flagmen,^[20] who would be positioned at the end of the runways; they were responsible for controlling 14,498 flight operations carrying 41,660 passengers that year. ^[3] The official observation site for Chicago's weather records was also moved to Midway during that year from the downtown area and would remain there until it was moved again, this time to O'Hare, in 1958.

The greater Chicago area, featuring Chicago Midway and O'Hare International Airports

The former Main Terminal entrance of
Chicago Midway Airport before the
airport's recent expansion project

A new passenger terminal and administration building, funded by a bond issue, was dedicated in 1931^[20] by Chicago mayor Anton Cermak, and in the following year Midway Airport earned the title of "World's Busiest" with over 100,846 passengers riding on 60,947 flights. Mayors of Chicago, Illinois, current or previous The mayoral term in Chicago was two years from 1837 through 1907 at which time it was lengthened to four Anton (Tony Joseph Cermak, in Czech Antonín Josef Čermák, (ˈantɔɲiːn ˈjɔzɛf ˈtʃ͡ɛrmaːk ( May 9, 1873 &ndash March World's busiest airport is a claim that is fiercely fought over by the owners of the world's largest Airports The definition of busiest has been specified by the Airports Council ^[3] Midway held that title for three decades until O'Hare claimed it in 1961. ^[20]

In 1941, Midway Airport joined World War II efforts because of its long runways and mid-continent position. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including A runway ( RWY) is a strip of land on an Airport, on which Aircraft can take off and land. ^[3] The war years proved to be a boom for Midway, which saw new construction funded in part by $1 million in federal monies from the Works Progress Administration, and work on additional runways moved forward in 1941 when a court ordered the Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad to reroute tracks in the vicinity of the airfield. The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest New Deal agency employing millions of people The Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad was the owner of Dearborn Station in Chicago and the trackage leading to it Midway handled a full 25% of the nation's 417,000 passengers during that year.

The airport was officially renamed on July 8, 1949^[3] by a unanimous vote in the City Council to "Chicago Midway Airport" in honor of the World War II Battle of Midway^[3] – not after Midway Airlines, as many have believed, nor because the airport is located at the west end of 59th Street (the eastern end of which is part of Chicago's historic Midway Plaisance). Events 939 - The Major Occultation or Ghaybat el-Kubra of Muhammad al-Mahdi 1099 - First Crusade: 15000 Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The Battle of Midway was a major Naval battle, widely regarded as the most important one of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Midway Airlines was founded on October 13, 1976, by investor Irving T The Midway Plaisance, also known locally as the Midway, is a mile-long linear Park on the South Side of the city of Chicago, Illinois Midway saw 3. 2 million passengers carried on 223,000 flights during 1949. The number of passengers rose to 3. 5 million the next year and reached a height of 10 million in 1959. This video of Chicago Midway Airport in 1954 shows the increase in traffic that Midway Airport experienced throughout the 1950s. ^[21] However, by 1959, the airport had proved unable to handle larger aircraft and higher passenger loads. By 1961, the airport faced a 60% drop in passenger traffic, largely due to the opening of O'Hare in 1955. ^[3] In 1962, United Airlines, the first major carrier to serve Midway, ceased operations at the airport, the last remaining carrier to do so during this period of decline. United Air Lines Inc, trading as United Airlines ( is a major airline of the United States. ^[20]

Post-O'Hare history

By 1967, reconstruction had begun at the airport, adding three new concourses with 28 gates and three ticket counters,^[3] and in 1968 the city invested $10 million in renovation funds,^[20] The funds partly supported construction of the Stevenson Expressway, which proved to be a major route for passengers to the airport, and Midway saw the return of major airlines during that year, serving 1,663,074 passengers on more than 274,062 flights,^[3] aided in part by the introduction of jets, such as the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, Boeing 727, and Boeing 737, that were capable of using Midway's shorter runways, which the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 could not. The Stevenson Expressway is the major Interstate freeway leading southwest out of the city of Chicago in Illinois. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

In 1979, Midway Airlines began operations,^[3] the first to do so after the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, and went on to become the flagship carrier at Midway before ending its operations in 1991. Midway Airlines was founded on October 13, 1976, by investor Irving T The Airline Deregulation Act (or ADA) is a United States federal law signed into law on October 24, 1978. ^[20] Midway Airlines helped revitalize the airport and led the way for other discount carriers, who benefitted from Midway's lower costs and close proximity to Chicago's Loop, to prosper. ^[20] Southwest Airlines, which began operations at Midway in 1985,^[22] was one such beneficiary. Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran Three years earlier, in 1982, the City of Chicago purchased Midway Airport from the Chicago Board of Education for $16 million. Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. ^[20]

The Chicago Transit Authority displaced the Carlton Midway Inn to open a new CTA terminal at the airport on October 31, 1993 for the newly established Chicago "L" Orange Line, which connected Midway to Chicago's Loop. Chicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA, is the operator of mass transit within the City of Chicago, Illinois. The Orange Line (Midway Service, is a rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois run by the Chicago Transit Authority as part of the 'L' system Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) The 'L' (variously and sometimes, styled "L" El EL or L) is a Rapid transit system that serves the city of The Orange Line (Midway Service, is a rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois run by the Chicago Transit Authority as part of the 'L' system ^[3] The CTA's Orange Line connects Midway to downtown Chicago via elevated train transportation. Population According to the 2000 Census, 16388 people live in the Loop ^[3] Midway Airport is the terminus of the line, which traverses the southwest portion of the city before ending up in the loop and cycling back to Midway again. The Orange Line does not run 24 hours a day (unlike the Blue Line, which provides 24-hour service to O'hare), but does operate extensive hours from about 4:00 A. M. to 1:00 A. M. , running at an average of 8-minute intervals.

Recent history

In 1996, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced the historic Midway Airport Terminal Development Program, which was launched the next year. Richard Michael Daley (born April 24 1942 is a United States Politician, member of the national and local Democratic Party and current mayor At the time, it was the largest public works project in the state. ^[23] The Midway Airport parking garage opened in 1999, bringing covered parking to the airport for the first time. The garage, offering 3,000 hourly and daily parking spaces, is connected to the Midway terminal building for convenient access to ticket counters and baggage claim areas. ^[3]

Midway Airport's new passenger terminal. In the background are ticket counters for Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Continuing with the expansion project, a pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue was constructed in 2000. The bridge connects the new terminal to the new concourses. ^[20] In 2001, the new 900,000-square-foot (84,000 m²) Midway Airport terminal building opened, offering expanded ticket counters, spacious baggage claim areas, traveler information and a short walking distance to airline gates. ^[3] A 50,000-square-foot (4,500 m²) food court opened with Chicago-style food and retail options, and in 2002, Midway welcomed the return of direct international service after a 40-year absence with the opening of the new Federal Inspection Service facility in Concourse A. Chicago Midway International Airport, also known simply as Midway Airport or Midway, is an Airport in Chicago Illinois, United States ^[24]

In June 2004, Mayor Daley and airline officials celebrated the completion of the Terminal Development Program. ^[20] The expansion project resulted in the addition of 14 gates (from 29 to 43), with the airport now providing 43 gates on 3 concourses. ^[20] A new 6,300-space economy parking garage, including a new bridge and roadway used exclusively for buses shuttling passengers to and from the terminal, opened in December 2005. ^[20]

Simultaneous to Midway's expansion, ATA Airlines began rapid expansion at Chicago Midway in the early 2000s, and prior to 2004, ATA offered significant scheduled service to destinations from Midway Airport and was the airport's dominant carrier, occupying and operating 14 of the 17 gates in Concourse A. ATA Airlines Inc, formerly known as American Trans Air, was an American low-cost scheduled service and Charter airline based in Indianapolis Chicago Midway International Airport, also known simply as Midway Airport or Midway, is an Airport in Chicago Illinois, United States ^[25] However, after the airline declared bankruptcy in October 2004, scheduled service from Midway significantly decreased.

ATA Airlines opened their Chicago-Midway hub in 1992, and was the largest carrier at Midway as recent as 2004. ATA ceased all operations in April 2008.

Due to repeated cancellations to its schedule, ATA then offered non-stop flights to 4 destinations, and mainly operated out of only 2 gates in Concourse B. ATA Airlines Inc, formerly known as American Trans Air, was an American low-cost scheduled service and Charter airline based in Indianapolis Chicago Midway International Airport, also known simply as Midway Airport or Midway, is an Airport in Chicago Illinois, United States On May 11, 2007, the airline added new service from Chicago to Oakland and Ontario, California. Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Oakland (ˈoʊklənd founded in 1852 is the eighth-largest city in the U ^[26] These new additions marked the first time ATA increased service at Chicago Midway in almost three years. However, just five months later, ATA announced they would end service to Ontario on January 7, 2008. Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[27] On April 3, 2008, ATA Airlines discontinued all operations. The airline had operated at Chicago-Midway since 1992. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) ^[28]

Also in March 2008, AirTran Airways announced that flights to Minneapolis/St. AirTran Airways is a low-cost Airline that is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA and Paul and Charlotte would be discontinued. An AirTran spokesperson said they discontinued these routes due to lack of customer demand. This leaves AirTran flying nonstop to 7 destinations.

Privatization

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has sought the approval of the airlines that operate at Midway to pursue privatization of the airport. The Mayor of Chicago is the Chief executive of Chicago, Illinois, the third largest City in the United Richard Michael Daley (born April 24 1942 is a United States Politician, member of the national and local Democratic Party and current mayor Privatization is the incidence or process of transferring ownership of business from the Public sector (government to the Private sector (business Approval of five of the seven airlines must be received before the airport can be put out for bids. Southwest and Delta have given tentative approval and AirTran, ATA, Frontier, and Northwest say a deal is near. The deal is being held up by requested assurances that costs will not escalate and operations and maintenance will not decline. Despite the frequency of international privatization of airports, Midway would be the first domestic airport to privatize. The deal would supposedly raise $3 billion for underfunded pensions and long-term infrastructure. A pension is a steady income given to a person upon Retirement, typically in the form of a guaranteed annuity. ^[18] Supposedly the terms of the deal would involve a 50 year lease that is similar in structure to that of the Chicago Skyway. See also Leasing, Renting A lease is a Legal document, but can be an oral arrangement which confers a right on one person (called The Chicago Skyway also known as Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge System is a 7 Mayor Daley is receiving encouragement from Wall Street financiers. Wall Street is a street in lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. ^[17] At least six groups have formed to bid on the long-term lease in advance of the March 31, 2008 deadline for qualification statements. Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[29]

The two original Southwest Airlines maintenance hangars at Midway Airport.

Previous airline service

Before the rise of O'Hare in the late 1950s, Midway was the world's busiest airport and one of the key hubs in the U. World's busiest airport is a claim that is fiercely fought over by the owners of the world's largest Airports The definition of busiest has been specified by the Airports Council S. airline system. ^[20] United Airlines was headquartered at Midway in the pre-O'Hare days, and American Airlines was originally based at Midway until it moved its headquarters to New York City in the mid-1930s. United Air Lines Inc, trading as United Airlines ( is a major airline of the United States. American Airlines Inc (AA is a US -based airline and the world's Largest airline in total passenger miles transported and passenger fleet size The City of New York There was also a very large presence from TWA and Eastern Air Lines, as well as several others. Trans World Airlines ( TWA) renamed TWA Airlines LLC in 2001 was a major U Eastern Air Lines was a major United States Airline that existed from the late 1920s until 1991 The airport was extensively renovated in 1958 and, again, in 1967, after which several of the legacy carriers resumed service after a period of some years. Referring to the airline industry a " Legacy Carrier " is an airline revolving around a hub & spoke network and a corporate structure ^[20] Midway was also a hub for the startup Midway Airlines in the 1980s, and a focus city for former Vanguard Airlines from 1997–2000. Midway Airlines was founded on October 13, 1976, by investor Irving T Vanguard Airlines was an Airline based out of Kansas City Missouri. ^[30]

Both American Airlines^[31] and United Airlines^[32] ended all scheduled service to Midway in September 2006, in favor of concentrating Chicago-area operations at the larger nearby O'Hare International Airport. American Airlines Inc (AA is a US -based airline and the world's Largest airline in total passenger miles transported and passenger fleet size United Air Lines Inc, trading as United Airlines ( is a major airline of the United States. However, despite its small size compared to O'Hare, Midway is still a vital transportation terminal. Its key advantage is that it is closer to the Loop than O'Hare. Population According to the 2000 Census, 16388 people live in the Loop The average train ride on the Orange Line from the Loop to Chicago Midway International Airport is about 20–25 minutes. The Orange Line (Midway Service, is a rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois run by the Chicago Transit Authority as part of the 'L' system

Big Sky Airlines, which commenced non-stop service on December 3, 2006 between Springfield, Illinois and Midway, later expanded the service to include daily nonstop flight to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, beginning on March 17. Big Sky Airlines was an American Regional airline that operated from 1978 to 2008 Events 1800 - War of the Second Coalition: Battle of Hohenlinden, French Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Springfield is the capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 116482 (U Eau Claire is a city located in the west-central part of the U Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger However, citing poor demand, both the Springfield as well as the Eau Claire flights were discontinued on June 9, 2007. Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[33]

Mesa Airlines, which began non-stop service from MDW in early 2007, discontinued all flights to Decatur and Quincy, Illinois, effective November 9, 2007. Mesa Airlines Inc ( is an American Regional airline based in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U Quincy Illinois, known as the " Gem City " is a city on the Mississippi River in Adams County, Illinois, United States The flights, which were operated by Air Midwest, were terminated citing poor passenger demand. This article is about the regional airline based in Wichita KS ^[34]

Chicago Midway International Airport was once the largest hub of ATA Airlines. ATA Airlines Inc, formerly known as American Trans Air, was an American low-cost scheduled service and Charter airline based in Indianapolis ATA had operated a hub at Midway since 1992. As recent as 2004, ATA operated over 100 daily flights to over 30 destinations. The airline had cut back service from Chicago ever since declaring bankruptcy in late 2004. In April 2008, the airline declared bankruptcy again, this time discontinuing all operations. On April 3, 2008, ATA Airlines ended all operations, including service to the four cities the airline still served at Chicago-Midway. Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Continental Airlines, provided daily service from Chicago-Midway to Cleveland and Newark until May 2008. Continental Airlines Inc ( is a United States certificated air carrier. Cleveland is a City in the US state of Ohio and the County seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, United States and the County seat of Essex County. The airline discontinued Chicago-Midway service on May 31, 2008 citing high fuel prices. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common However, Continental has not left the Chicago market; the airline has stated it will maintain all operations at nearby Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Airfield

Aerial view of Chicago Midway International Airport, a. k. a. the "world's busiest square mile".

The original fully developed 1940s layout included 8 runways that crisscrossed the 8-by-8-block (one square mile) property. A runway ( RWY) is a strip of land on an Airport, on which Aircraft can take off and land. All terminals and hangars were on the square periphery. By the late 1970s the shorter north–south and east–west runway pairs had been closed. Four of the original runways remain, all significantly strengthened and enhanced, but essentially the same lengths as always. A short runway for light aircraft was added in 1989.

Chicago Midway International Airport covers 320 acres (129 ha) and currently has five runways:^[35]

• Runway 13C/31C: 6,522 x 150 ft. The acre is a unit of Area in a number of different systems including the imperial and U Explanation The hectare is commonly used in most countries around the world especially in domains concerned with land planning and management such as Agriculture, (1,988 x 46 m), air carrier runway, ILS equipped. The Instrument Landing System (ILS is a ground-based Instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an Aircraft approaching a Runway
• Runway 4R/22L: 6,446 x 150 ft. (1,965 x 46 m), air carrier runway, ILS equipped.
• Runway 4L/22R: 5,507 x 150 ft. (1,679 x 46 m), general aviation and air taxi.
• Runway 13L/31R: 5,141 x 150 ft. (1,567 x 46 m), general aviation and air taxi.
• Runway 13R/31L: 3,859 x 60 ft. (1,176 x 18 m), light aircraft only.

Because Midway is surrounded by buildings and other development, the landing thresholds of the runways are displaced to provide a proper obstacle clearance. A displaced threshold is a Runway Threshold located at a point other than the physical beginning or end of the runway Both the FAA and the airlines assure safety by limiting loads and adhering to adjusted weather minimums. The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of Also because of displaced thresholds the runways are actually a lot shorter in terms of take-offs and landings. 13C/31C, the longest runway, only has a maximum take-off and landing distance of 6,059 feet (1,847 m), and on the opposite end of the runway the maximum take-off and landing distance is 5,826 feet (1,776 m). All the other runways have a maximum take-off and landing distance below 5,930 feet (1,810 m). ^[36]

Further information: Displaced threshold

Airlines and destinations

Destinations served from Chicago-Midway
(as of June 2008)

Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier at Midway, operating more than 225 daily flights out of 29 of Midway's 43 gates to over 45 destinations across the United States. A displaced threshold is a Runway Threshold located at a point other than the physical beginning or end of the runway

AirTran Airways is the second-largest carrier at Midway, operating over 20 daily flights to 6 destinations across the United States.

The carriers transporting the most passengers from Chicago Midway Airport are Southwest and AirTran. Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran AirTran Airways is a low-cost Airline that is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA and These airlines, along with the 4 (3 come June) other airlines that serve Chicago Midway make up the passenger traffic. In 2007, these airlines carried a total of 19,378,855 passengers through MDW, a 2. 7% increase over the previous year. Also in 2007, 304,657 aircraft passed through Midway Airport, a 2. 1% increase over 2006. ^[37]

For complete information on flights to and from Chicago Midway International Airport, please see the airport's website.

Chicago Midway International Airport provides 43 aircraft gates on 3 concourses (A, B, and C)^[3]

Concourse A

Note: All international arrivals are handled in Concourse A.

Concourse A has 17 gates: A1 – A3, A4A, A4B, A5, A7, A9 – A12, A14 – A19

• AirTran Airways Gates A4A, A4B, A10, A12, A14 (Atlanta, Boston [seasonal], Fort Myers [seasonal], Miami, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton)
• Delta Air Lines Gate A1
  • Delta Connection operated by Shuttle America (New York-LaGuardia)
• Frontier Airlines Gate A2 (Denver)
  • Apple Vacations operated by Frontier Airlines (Cancún) [weekend charter]
• Northwest Airlines Gates A5, A7 (Detroit [ends June 30; begins August 19], Minneapolis/St. AirTran Airways is a low-cost Airline that is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA and Delta Air Lines Inc ( is a United States Airline based and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned Regional airlines and Comair operate short and medium haul routes in association with Shuttle America Corporation is a Regional airline based in Indianapolis Indiana, USA. Frontier Airlines Inc is a low-cost Airline based at Denver International Airport in Denver Colorado, USA. Frontier Airlines Inc is a low-cost Airline based at Denver International Airport in Denver Colorado, USA. Northwest Airlines Inc (often abbreviated NWA) is the principal subsidiary Paul)
  • Northwest Airlink operated by Compass Airlines (Detroit [begins August 19; ends November 1], Minneapolis/St. Northwest Airlink is the trade name of Northwest Airlines ' Regional airline service which flies Turboprop and Regional jet aircraft from Northwest's Compass Airlines is a regional airline based in Chantilly, an area in unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, USA. Paul)
  • Northwest Airlink operated by Mesaba Airlines (Detroit)
• Southwest Airlines Gates A9, A11, A15 – A19 (See Concourse B)

Concourse B

Note: International arrivals are handled in Concourse A. Northwest Airlink is the trade name of Northwest Airlines ' Regional airline service which flies Turboprop and Regional jet aircraft from Northwest's Mesaba Airlines is an American regional Airline based in Eagan Minnesota. Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran

Concourse B has 23 gates: B1 – B3, B5, B7 – B12, B14 – B26

• Southwest Airlines Gates B1 – B3, B5, B7 – B12, B14 – B25 (Albany, Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Birmingham (AL), Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus (OH), Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Hartford/Springfield, Houston-Hobby, Indianapolis, Jackson, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Long Island/Islip, Los Angeles, Louisville, Manchester (NH), Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Oakland, Omaha, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), Providence, Raleigh/Durham, Reno/Tahoe, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), Seattle/Tacoma, St. Southwest Airlines Co ( is an American low-cost Airline based in Dallas Texas, with its largest focus city at Las Vegas ' McCarran Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington-Dulles)

Concourse C

Concourse C has 3 gates: C1 – C3

• Delta Air Lines Gate C1
  • Delta Connection operated by Comair (Atlanta)
  • Delta Connection operated by Shuttle America (Atlanta)

Incidents and accidents

Significant incidents

Southwest Airlines Flight 1248, a Boeing 737-700, after it skidded off runway 31C on December 8, 2005. Delta Air Lines Inc ( is a United States Airline based and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned Regional airlines and Comair operate short and medium haul routes in association with Comair is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines based in Erlanger Kentucky, USA, a city near the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned Regional airlines and Comair operate short and medium haul routes in association with Shuttle America Corporation is a Regional airline based in Indianapolis Indiana, USA. Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 (WN1248 SWA1248 was a scheduled passenger flight from Baltimore-Washington International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

On June 30, 1956, United Airlines Flight 718, a Douglas DC-7, was headed for Midway Airport. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision occurred on June 30 1956 when United Airlines Flight 718, a Douglas DC-7 named Mainliner Vancouver WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Over the Grand Canyon it collided with a TWA Super Constellation killing all 128 people on both planes. The Grand Canyon Trans World Airlines ( TWA) renamed TWA Airlines LLC in 2001 was a major U WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout This became the impetus for the modern air traffic control system.

December 8 incidents

On December 8, 1972, United Airlines Flight 553, a Boeing 737-200, crashed into a residential area outside of Midway during landing. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. United Airlines Flight 553, registration, City of Lincoln, was a Boeing 737-222 en route from Washington National Airport to Omaha WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The crash of the 737-200 killed 43 of the 61 on board, and two on the ground.

Exactly 33 years later, on December 8, 2005, Southwest Airlines Flight 1248, a Boeing 737-700 inbound from Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Baltimore, Maryland, slid off the runway while attempting to land at the airport in heavy snow and winds. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 (WN1248 SWA1248 was a scheduled passenger flight from Baltimore-Washington International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport serves the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area ( U The airplane broke through the barrier fence of the airport and came to rest at the intersection of 55th Street and Central Avenue bordering the airport at its northwest corner. ^[38] A 6-year-old boy was killed as a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by the plane after it skidded into the street. ^[39]

INFORMATION SOURCED FROM: Civil Aeronautics Board archives, NTSB records, bukiri-research.

NOTE: The runway now designated 13C-31C was designated 13R-31L until 1989, when a new Runway 13R-31L was built. Runway 27L was closed and is now designated taxiway K.

Transit

Midway Airport is served by the Chicago Transit Authority's "L" trains. Chicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA, is the operator of mass transit within the City of Chicago, Illinois. The 'L' (variously and sometimes, styled "L" El EL or L) is a Rapid transit system that serves the city of Passengers can board Orange Line trains at a station in the airport terminal, which runs to downtown Chicago and the Loop (transit time about 25 minutes). The Orange Line (Midway Service, is a rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois run by the Chicago Transit Authority as part of the 'L' system This same station doubles as a stop for many CTA-run buses that serve the surrounding areas. Midway is one of the few airports in the United States that have rapid transit train to terminal service. A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway or metro(politan system is an electric passenger railway ^[40]

See also

• O'Hare International Airport
• Gary/Chicago International Airport
• Chicago Rockford International Airport
• Proposed Chicago south suburban airport

References

External links

• Midway International Airport (official web site)
• Midway International Airport: Terminal and Concourse Maps
• TWA Crash of 1959
• 1972 Crash Summary
• Survey number HABS IL-305 - Midway Airport, South Terminal, Cicero Avenue between Fifty-fifth & Sixty-third Streets, Chicago, Cook County, IL
• FAA Airport Diagram(PDF), effective 5 June 2008
• Resources for this airport:
  • AirNav airport information for KMDW
  • ASN accident history for MDW
  • FlightAware airport information and live flight tracker
  • NOAA/NWS latest weather observations
  • SkyVector aeronautical chart for KMDW
  • FAA current MDW delay information