The largest and most popular city in the Midwest, Chicago, Illinois, is a popular destination for private jet travelers with business interests or those who simply want to explore the city and its attractions. Over 20 million passengers traveled through Midway International Airport in 2023, making it the second-largest airport in Chicago.
Chicago is known as “The Windy City” and has been home to some of the most significant cultural events in American history, from the World Fair in 1893 to the 90’s Bulls and Michael Jordan. Midway is conveniently located to give passengers easy access to the great city of Chicago, as it is just 12 miles away from the city’s Loop business district.
About Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport is the city’s oldest major airport. It opened in 1927 and was the busiest airport in the world in 1945. The airport has seen significant expansion since then, as in 1997, the Midway Airport Terminal Development Program was launched. The program added a new parking garage, terminal, and a 50,000-square-foot food court to the historic airport. Chicago Midway is also a unique airport due to its square layout, with crisscrossing runways, a rare feature amongst major airports.
MDW is still a primary gateway for travelers going to the Midwest and can be a great alternative to Chicago O’Hare, which can become too busy at times. Midway has two excellent FBOs to service private jet passengers: Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation. Both FBOs provide fueling, deicing, and storage options for private jets. Inside the airport, passengers can also try some of Chicago’s most iconic foods, from Garrett Popcorn to a deep-dish pizza.
Chicago Midway International Airport: Key Facts
- Airport Codes:
- FAA: MDW
- ICAO: KMDW
- IATA: MDW
- Location (Lat/Long):
- Operating Hours: MDW is open 24/7
- FBOs: Two FBOs are operating out of Chicago Midway International, each offering a wide range of services for private and corporate jets:
- Atlantic Aviation
- Signature Flight Support
- Runway: Chicago Midway has four active runways:
- 13C/31C: 6,522 ft by 150 ft
- 4R/22L: 6,445 ft x 150 ft
- 4L/22R: 5,507 x 150 ft
- 13R/31L: 3,859 x 60 ft
- U.S. Customs: Each terminal has TSA security checkpoints. Additionally, Atlantic Aviation provides U.S. Customs clearance on the ramp, and Signature Aviation also provides U.S. Customs support in the airport.
- Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, United States
Chicago Midway International Airport Fixed-Base Operator (FBO)
Chicago Midway offers private jet passengers with two top-of-the-line FBO services to choose from:
- Fueling: Jet-A and 100-LL (Avgas) fueling options are available.
- Lounges: Atlantic Aviation is open 24 hours a day to service private jet passengers and offers a conference room, pilot lounge, dedicated notary, and free Wi-Fi.
- Aircraft Maintenance and Hangars: Type 1 and IV deicing services, 24-hour security and surveillance, Heated hangar space.
- Ground Transportation: Atlantic Aviation offers crew cars, Hertz rentals, valet parking, and a dedicated concierge to assist with restaurant and hotel reservations.
- Fueling: 100LL and Jet A line service is available.
- Lounges: Open 24/7, with free wi-fi, conference rooms, vending machines, and a cozy fireplace, and is pet-friendly. Additionally, hot chocolate, Starbucks coffee, newspapers, and satellite TV are available.
- Aircraft Maintenance and Hangars: Signature Aviation has a 200,000-square-foot heated hangar with 24/7 surveillance. It offers aircraft maintenance, detailing, and deicing services.
- Ground Transport: Signature Aviation partners with four luxury transportation services: Carey, EmpireCLS, Freddie Limousine, and Pontarelli Companies.
- Catering: Signature Aviation partners with two local catering services, Air Culinaire and Georgi’s Catering, to provide travelers with excellent dining options.
Chicago Midway International Airport: Runways
- Chicago Midway currently has four active runways:
- 13C/31C: 6,522 ft by 150 ft, concrete, air carrier. This is the longest runway in the airport.
- 4R/22L: 6,445 ft x 150 ft, PEM, air carrier
- 4L/22R: 5,507 x 150 ft, asphalt, general aviation and air taxi
- 13R/31L: 3,859 x 60 ft, concrete, equipped for light aircraft only
Chicago Midway International Airport: Noise Program
Midway International Airport works closely with the Mayor of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), and the Midway Noise Compatibility Commission (MNCC) to minimize air travel noise and any disturbances it may cause. Seeing as Midway is located in the heart of Chicago, noise from airplanes could pose a significant disturbance to the local community.
The Midway Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) aims to reduce noise in nearby homes. Over 10,000 residences near the airport have been sound-insulated under the program to date. Sound insulation allows homeowners to sleep, watch TV, and have conversations without the disturbance of airplane noise. Over 40 schools near Midway have also been sound-insulated under the Midway School Sound Insulation Program (SSIP).
Chicago Midway International Airport: Other Airports
Chicago Midway is a popular hub for travelers looking to explore the Midwestern part of the United States, and it is located close to several other major airports, including:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Chicago O’Hare is the busiest airport in the Midwest United States and was the world’s 7th busiest airport in 2024, having around 80 million travelers. The sole FBO operating at O’Hare is Signature Aviation, which provides quality services for private jet passengers, from deicing and hangar space to hot chocolate and muffins. ORD is only 30 miles from Midway International and a 40-minute drive, depending on traffic.
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): Located 98 miles away in the neighboring state of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Mitchell is another bustling midwestern travel hub. Milwaukee Mitchell has three FBOs: Jet Aviation, Signature Aviation, and Avflight. Each FBO provides top-class service for private jets and offers luxury catering, concierge, and transportation services for passengers.
Chicago Midway International Airport: Popular Private Jet Travel Routes
| Origin | Destination | Flight Time[Approx] | Private Jet Category | Passenger Capacity |
|---|
| Chicago Midway International | New York | 2.5 Hours | Super Mid | 6-9 |
| Chicago Midway International | Los Angeles | 4 hours | Heavy Jet | 8-18 |
| Miami Palm Beach | Chicago Midway International | 3. Hours | Super Mid | 6-9 |
| Dallas | Chicago Midway International | 2.25 Hours | Mid-Jet | 6-8 |
You can explore our diverse fleet at JetOptions and choose the one that best fits your travel needs. For instance, our clients prefer to fly in various jet categories ranging from light jets, super-midsize, and ultra-long range jets to heavy jets. Some prominent jets in these categories are:
- Midsize Jet
- Super-Mid Jet
- Heavy Jet
Chicago: Things to Explore
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and has many exciting areas to explore. It is known for popular attractions like Millennium Park, the Chicago River, and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
- Chicago Golf Club: Ranked by Golf Digest as the third-best region for golf in the USA, the Chicago Golf Club is the top golf destination in the city. Opened in 1893, the club has been providing players with an ideal golfing experience for over 100 years. The Chicago Golf Club is an excellent place to visit for private jet passengers looking to do some golfing during their trip to Chicago.
- Smyth: One of only two restaurants in Chicago to receive three Michelin Stars, Smyth is located in downtown Chicago, near the United Center. It is a great place to get dinner after a Bulls game or concert. Smyth serves seasonal ingredients uniquely and creatively and was described in the Michelin guide as often pushing boundaries. This is an excellent destination for private jet travelers who enjoy fine dining and contemporary cooking.
- Kumiko: Kumiko is known as one of the best bars/restaurants in Chicago. It serves authentic and fresh Japanese cuisine, and it is a must-go for travelers who enjoy luxury cocktails and Japanese-inspired food. Kumiko is also listed in the Michelin travel guide for Chicago.
- The United Center: The go-to destination for sports and music lovers, the United Center is the home of the Chicago Bulls and the Blackhawks and is often visited by popular musical acts. It has several club and suite seating options for those looking for a more upscale viewing experience.
Why JetOptions
- ARGUS and Wyvern registered company.
- Book any aircraft, anytime, anywhere, often in 2-3 hours or less.
- Travel with peace of mind on a plane that meets and exceeds FAA safety standards and is certified by ARGUS and Wyvern. Additionally, the aircraft is insured for $50,000,000 to $250,000,000.
- 24/7 Complimentary Concierge services include Medical Staff Escorts, Security, Ground Transportation, and Hotels.
- Access an Aviation Account Executive 24/7.
- Get optimum rates in the market without sacrificing safety
- Premium aircraft condition is guaranteed.
- Fly in authentic one-way charters, and one-way rates are guaranteed. (Restricted to specific routes)
- Get a complimentary upgrade when available.
Our highly respected flight choices include many pricing options, from one-way to round-trip rates, from cities around the globe. Be it vacation or corporate travel, let’s plan your next trip, today!
FAQs
What are the operational hours of Chicago Midway International Airport?
Chicago Midway International Airport is open 24/7.
How long are the Chicago Midway International Airport runways?
Chicago Midway has four runways, with the longest being over 6,000 feet long:
- 4R/22L: 6,445 ft x 150 ft
- 4L/22R: 5,507 x 150 ft
- 13R/31L: 3,859 x 60 ft
- 13C/31C: 6,522 ft by 150 ft
Which airport is closest to Chicago Midway International Airport?
The closest major airport to Chicago Midway is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which is an hour’s drive away from Midway.
What is the Chicago Midway International Airport Code?
Midway’s FAA and IATA code is MDW, and its ICAO code is KMDW.
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