Posted on October 14th, 2026
Waukegan National Airport (UGN/KUGN) serves private and business aviation in northeastern Illinois, approximately 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. Located in Lake County near the Wisconsin border, it provides convenient access to Chicago’s North Shore, northern suburbs and communities in southeastern Wisconsin.
For passengers visiting Waukegan, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, North Chicago, Gurnee or nearby destinations, UGN may be more convenient than airports farther south. JetOptions arranges on-demand private jet charters to and from Waukegan, with aircraft options tailored to each itinerary, schedule and passenger requirements.
Planning a private flight to Chicago’s North Shore, Lake County or southeastern Wisconsin? JetOptions can help you compare aircraft and airport options for your destination.
| Airport Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Waukegan National Airport |
| Airport Codes | UGN (FAA/IATA), KUGN (ICAO) |
| Location | Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois |
| Airport Address | 2601 W. Plane Rest Drive, Waukegan, IL 60087 |
| Runway 5/23 | 6,000 × 150 feet, asphalt |
| Runway 14/32 | 3,751 × 75 feet, asphalt |
| Field Elevation | 727 feet above sea level |
| Instrument Approach | ILS approach to Runway 23 |
| Airfield Availability | Continuous attendance; operations subject to airport conditions and restrictions |
| Control Tower | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, as published |
| U.S. Customs | Customs landing-rights airport; advance coordination and applicable fees required |
| Airport Type | Public-use general aviation and reliever airport |
Waukegan supports corporate aviation, privately operated aircraft, charter flights, flight training and other general aviation activity. Its location north of Chicago makes it particularly useful for passengers traveling to Lake County or destinations near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.
The airport’s 6,000-foot primary runway accommodates a range of business aircraft, subject to aircraft-specific operating requirements. Unlike O’Hare and Midway, Waukegan primarily serves general aviation rather than scheduled airline traffic.
JetOptions helps clients select aircraft based on flight distance, passenger count, baggage, airport requirements and ground transportation. When another airport offers a better fit, we can compare alternatives throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee regions.
Waukegan has two asphalt runways. Runway 5/23 measures 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, with an Instrument Landing System approach to Runway 23. The secondary runway, 14/32, measures 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide.
The primary runway supports a variety of business aviation operations, although aircraft suitability depends on weight, weather, runway conditions and the planned flight.
Aircraft planning: Published runway length alone does not establish aircraft suitability. The aircraft operator and flight crew evaluate current airport conditions, performance data, weather and flight-specific requirements.
Waukegan is well positioned for passengers visiting the northern Chicago metropolitan area. Lake County is home to corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, healthcare organizations, residential communities and recreational destinations that may be easier to reach from UGN than from airports farther south.
Charter passengers may be traveling to Waukegan, North Chicago, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Gurnee or surrounding communities for meetings, family visits and leisure travel.
Choosing an airport close to the final destination can reduce ground travel. The most convenient option depends on the actual address, traffic conditions and aircraft requirements.
Waukegan is also an option for charter clients traveling to southeastern Wisconsin. Its location near the state border can be useful for destinations such as Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie and surrounding communities.
For trips centered in Milwaukee, an airport closer to the city may be preferable. JetOptions can compare Waukegan with Milwaukee-area airports to determine which provides the better combination of aircraft suitability and ground access.
Waukegan National Airport is a U.S. Customs landing-rights airport, with clearance available for eligible international arrivals by advance arrangement.
International flights require coordination with the appropriate authorities before arrival. Landing permissions, scheduling requirements and customs fees may apply, including additional charges for service outside normal business hours.
JetOptions can assist with coordinating international charter arrangements. Customs clearance remains subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements and confirmation of the requested arrival arrangements.
Passengers arriving at Waukegan can continue by road to destinations throughout Lake County, Chicago’s North Shore and southeastern Wisconsin. Ground transportation may include executive sedans, SUVs or larger vehicles depending on the traveling party.
JetOptions can assist with arranging chauffeured transportation to offices, private residences, hotels and other destinations. Travel times vary with traffic, road conditions and the final address, particularly for journeys into central Chicago.
Waukegan is one of several airports serving private aviation in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin. The best choice depends on the aircraft, itinerary, customs requirements and final destination.
Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling serves Chicago’s northern suburbs and is an important business aviation airport. It may be more convenient for passengers visiting areas south of Lake County, including parts of the North Shore and northwest suburbs.
Chicago Rockford International Airport serves Rockford and northwestern Illinois. Its longer runways accommodate a broad range of business aircraft, making it an option for charter passengers traveling to Rockford, Belvidere and surrounding communities. For destinations along Chicago’s North Shore or in Lake County, Waukegan will generally be more convenient.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport supports both airline and private aviation. Its location and runway infrastructure make it worth considering for trips centered in Milwaukee or requiring aircraft capabilities beyond those available at smaller airports.
Chicago Midway International Airport is another charter option for travelers whose destination is central or southern Chicago. It may offer more convenient ground access for certain city itineraries than Waukegan.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport accommodates a wide range of aircraft and international operations. Although it is primarily a major commercial airline airport, it may be appropriate for charters involving specific aircraft, connections or operational requirements.
For additional airport options and regional travel planning, explore the JetOptions Chicago private jet charter destination guide.
Yes. Waukegan serves corporate and general aviation, including suitable private jet charters. Aircraft performance and operating requirements are evaluated for each flight.
The FAA and IATA code is UGN, and the ICAO code is KUGN.
Runway 5/23 measures 6,000 × 150 feet. Runway 14/32 measures 3,751 × 75 feet. Both are asphalt runways.
Yes. An ILS approach is published for Runway 23. Flight operations remain subject to weather, aircraft equipment, crew qualifications and applicable procedures.
The airport publishes continuous attendance, while its control tower has scheduled operating hours. Charter operations outside tower hours are subject to applicable airport procedures and operating requirements.
Yes. Waukegan is a customs landing-rights airport. International arrivals require advance arrangements, and scheduling requirements and fees apply.
Yes. UGN is particularly relevant for passengers traveling to Lake County and northern Chicago-area communities, including Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and nearby destinations.
Yes. Waukegan can be considered for destinations near the Illinois-Wisconsin border, including Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie. For Milwaukee, another airport may provide a shorter ground transfer.
JetOptions can evaluate light, midsize, super-midsize and other suitable business aircraft based on the itinerary. Aircraft category alone does not establish airport suitability.
No. JetOptions arranges on-demand private jet charters without requiring a prepaid membership or jet card.
Since 2009, JetOptions has specialized exclusively in arranging on-demand private jet charters.
Whether your trip brings you to Chicago’s North Shore, Lake County or southeastern Wisconsin, JetOptions can help compare aircraft and airport options around your schedule and final destination.
Share your departure city, travel dates, passenger count and destination so our team can prepare personalized charter options.
Explore on-demand private jet charter options for Waukegan, northern Chicago and southeastern Wisconsin.