While O’Hare International Airport often dominates headlines, Midway Airport holds a special place in Chicago’s aviation story. For decades, Midway was the world’s busiest airport and remains a vital part of the city’s air travel system today. Its rise, decline, and resurgence reflect broader themes in Chicago’s transportation and urban planning history.
Origins in the 1920s
Chicago recognized the need for a municipal airport as early as the 1920s.
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In 1923, the city leased land on the southwest side and built Chicago Municipal Airport, opening in 1927.
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Located near 63rd Street and Cicero Avenue, it featured unpaved runways and modest facilities.
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Despite its small size, it quickly attracted airlines such as United and American, eager to serve Chicago’s growing market.
By the 1930s, the airport had multiple runways, hangars, and passenger terminals, making it one of the first modern commercial airports in the U.S.
The Golden Era (1930s–1950s)
Between the 1930s and early 1950s, Municipal Airport—renamed Midway Airport in 1949 to honor the Battle of Midway—was at the center of global aviation.
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By 1932, it was the busiest airport in the nation.
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During the 1940s and 1950s, Midway was considered the world’s busiest airport, handling millions of passengers annually.
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Airlines like TWA, United, and American expanded routes to and from Chicago, solidifying the city’s role as an aviation hub.
Midway became synonymous with Chicago’s reputation as the crossroads of America.
Limitations and the Rise of O’Hare
Despite its success, Midway faced serious challenges:
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Geography: Hemmed in by dense neighborhoods, Midway had no room for runway expansion.
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Jet Age: The new jetliners of the 1950s required longer runways than Midway could offer.
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Congestion: As passenger numbers soared, delays became common.
In the late 1950s, the city shifted focus to O’Hare International Airport, whose vast land allowed for modern jet operations. By 1962, most airlines had relocated to O’Hare, and Midway entered a period of decline.
Near Abandonment in the 1960s–70s
By the mid-1960s, Midway was nearly abandoned:
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Passenger traffic plummeted.
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Only smaller airlines and charter flights remained.
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The once-busy terminals stood half-empty.
Many assumed Midway’s days as a commercial airport were over.
Revival in the 1980s and 1990s
Midway’s rebirth began in the late 1970s and 1980s:
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Southwest Airlines launched operations at Midway in 1985, using its short runways and convenient location as an advantage.
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The city invested in upgrades, including new terminals, parking, and roadway improvements.
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By the 1990s, Midway was thriving again, catering to low-cost carriers and domestic flights.
Midway carved out a new niche: a convenient, budget-friendly alternative to O’Hare.
Urban Planning and Community Impact
Midway’s location in a dense residential area posed unique planning challenges:
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Noise pollution remained a constant issue for surrounding neighborhoods.
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Traffic congestion along Cicero Avenue and nearby streets required major infrastructure improvements.
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The city balanced Midway’s growth with investments in public transit, including the CTA Orange Line (opened in 1993), which linked the airport to downtown Chicago.
Unlike O’Hare, Midway became deeply intertwined with the urban fabric of Chicago’s South Side.
Midway Today
Today, Midway is a major secondary airport:
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It serves over 20 million passengers annually.
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Southwest Airlines dominates operations, making Midway one of the carrier’s largest hubs.
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The airport specializes in domestic flights and short-haul international routes.
Its compact size and central location make it a favorite for travelers seeking convenience.
The Role of Midway in Chicago’s Aviation Ecosystem
Together with O’Hare, Midway forms a dual-airport system that powers Chicago’s air travel network:
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O’Hare handles long-haul and international flights.
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Midway provides domestic and regional service.
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This balance allows Chicago to maintain one of the most robust aviation systems in the world.
Legacy
Midway Airport may no longer be the busiest in the world, but its legacy is enormous. It was the birthplace of modern air travel in Chicago, shaped the city’s early aviation identity, and continues to serve millions of travelers each year.
As Chicago grows, Midway stands as a reminder that smaller, community-centered airports can remain vital in a global aviation landscape.
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