The air buzzes with anticipation. You can almost feel the energy of thousands of travelers converging on this bustling hub. You’re standing at Chicago Midway International Airport, a place brimming with stories. It’s hard to imagine that this busy airport was once a field with just one cinder runway, primarily for airmail flights.
This is a place with a rich history. In 1923, the city leased the field for commercial purposes. In 1927 it became Chicago Municipal Airport and opened its doors to mail, express, and passenger services. Then, in 1949, it was renamed after the Battle of Midway, a pivotal moment in World War II. The airport became Chicago’s primary airport, serving as a gateway to the world.
Midway was once a bustling hub for major airlines like United and American. However, the arrival of jet planes in the 1950s changed everything. The airport’s runways were too short to handle these larger aircraft. This pushed Midway into the shadows as nearby O’Hare International Airport, with its longer runways, became the primary airport for Chicago.
But Midway fought to survive. In the 1960s, it saw an ambitious renovation program. A new terminal complex was built and the city invested millions, but the airport still struggled to attract major airlines. However, with the deregulation of the airline industry in the 1970s, Midway was able to find its niche. Southwest Airlines saw the potential of this smaller airport with its efficient operations. In 1985, Southwest began operating at Midway Airport. Today Southwest Airlines carries over 90% of the passenger traffic, making it the airport’s flagship, and Midway is one of the busiest airports in the nation, serving millions of passengers each year.
As you look around the airport, you can almost imagine those early days, when it was a small field with a single runway. But as you listen to the constant hum of activity, you realize that Midway has become more than just a place to travel. It’s a symbol of resilience, of a city’s determination to remain connected to the world.