Introduction
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is one of the two major airports serving the Chicago metropolitan area and a key hub for business aviation in the Midwest. Located about 20 minutes from downtown, it provides direct access to business districts, major hotels, and the shores of Lake Michigan. Smaller and more accessible than O’Hare, Midway is favored for private flights, corporate trips, and charter operations.
The airport features modern infrastructure and several top-tier FBOs offering premium services: personalized reception, VIP lounges, crew coordination, secure hangars, and full concierge assistance. It is an ideal base for reaching Chicago and surrounding areas while enjoying maximum privacy.
For travelers organizing a business trip or private stay in the region, you can book a private jet from Chicago Midway to destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
Location and Access
The airport is located about 8 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, near highways I-55 and I-90. This strategic location allows easy access to The Loop, River North, and West Loop, where corporate offices, banks, and major hotels are concentrated.
Transfers from Midway are quick and convenient:
By private car or rideshare, the trip to downtown takes 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
The CTA Orange Line connects the “Midway” station directly to downtown Chicago (Harold Washington Library or Adams/Wabash) in about 25 minutes.
Limousine, hotel shuttle, and chauffeur services are available 24/7.
For international connections, private transfers are provided between Midway and O’Hare Airport (around 35–40 minutes).
FBOs also offer ramp-side vehicle access, allowing passengers to board directly from their car.
Business Terminal and FBOs
Business aviation at Chicago Midway revolves around several leading Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) that deliver complete services for passengers and crews:
Signature Flight Support (MDW): the main business terminal, offering VIP lounges, on-request customs clearance, premium catering, and full maintenance assistance.
Atlantic Aviation (MDW): a modern FBO featuring passenger lounges, flight coordination, baggage handling, heated hangars, and hotel concierge services.
Million Air Chicago (MDW): a newly renovated facility providing luxury reception areas, crew spaces, a weather center, and direct runway access.
Amenities include quiet lounges, work offices, crew rest areas, on-demand dining, and technical support available around the clock. Each FBO provides secure hangars for light, midsize, and heavy jets, with indoor or outdoor parking depending on requirements.
Infrastructure and Technical Features
Chicago Midway Airport covers more than 620 acres and has four active asphalt runways:
13C/31C: 6,522 ft × 150 ft (1,988 m × 46 m)
4R/22L: 6,445 ft × 150 ft (1,964 m × 46 m)
4L/22R: 5,507 ft × 150 ft (1,678 m × 46 m)
13R/31L: 3,859 ft × 60 ft (1,176 m × 18 m)
The airport is equipped with ILS CAT I precision approaches, RNAV/GPS procedures, and advanced weather support systems. Ramp areas include ARFF Category 8 fire coverage, Jet-A1 fueling 24/7, de-icing services, and heated hangars for winter operations.
All airfield maintenance and safety operations are managed by the Chicago Department of Aviation, ensuring smooth operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Aircraft Types
Chicago Midway can accommodate nearly all categories of business aircraft:
Turboprops: Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air, TBM 960 — ideal for regional Midwest flights.
Light Jets: Phenom 300, Citation CJ3+, HondaJet — perfect for short- to mid-range trips of 2–3 hours.
Midsize Jets: Hawker 900XP, Learjet 60, Citation Latitude — suited for business flights between Chicago, New York, Miami, or Dallas.
Super-Midsize and Heavy Jets: Challenger 350, Falcon 2000, Gulfstream G500, Global 6000 — capable of cross-country or limited international flights at partial loads.
Runway performance allows fully loaded departures for most super-midsize aircraft.
Activity and Destinations
Chicago Midway handles around 35,000 business aviation movements per year, primarily corporate and private operations.
Frequent destinations include:
New York (Teterboro, White Plains) – 1 hr 50 min
Washington DC (Dulles or Reagan) – 1 hr 45 min
Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Miami – 2 to 3 hours
Toronto and Montreal – about 1 hr 30 min
Las Vegas and Los Angeles – 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr
During the summer, traffic increases toward the Great Lakes, Michigan, and the East Coast, while winter remains busy with corporate and commercial flights.
Operational Data
Elevation: 620 ft (189 m) MSL
Main frequencies: Tower 135.2 MHz / Ground 118.075 MHz / ATIS 132.75 MHz
ARFF category: 8
Customs and immigration: available on request through FBOs (CBP Midway Field Office)
Fuel: Jet-A1 and Avgas available 24/7
Maintenance: provided by FAA-certified Part 145 operators on site
Additional amenities include a weather briefing center, flight-plan filing service, and technical assistance for transient aircraft.
Passenger Experience
Private jet passengers enjoy a smooth, discreet process. Check-in, security, and boarding take only minutes, directly from FBO lounges.
Available services include:
VIP lounges with personalized catering;
Private meeting and work rooms;
High-speed Wi-Fi, international press, and local dining options;
Private transfers to downtown hotels or northern suburbs (Oak Brook, Evanston).
Private vehicles can access ramp areas directly, ensuring immediate boarding. Helicopter and limousine transfers are also available to key business districts and regional airports.
Crew Services
Crew members have access to dedicated rest areas with showers, briefing stations, weather terminals, and quiet lounges. FBOs provide full support: hotel transfers, catering, flight-plan assistance, fueling, rapid maintenance, and coordination for early departures.
Partner hotels in Bridgeview, Oak Lawn, and Downtown Chicago offer crew-rate accommodations.
Environment and Sustainability
Chicago Midway is committed to reducing aviation’s environmental impact through: gradual replacement of ground vehicles with electric units; modernization of airfield lighting with LED systems; stormwater recovery and fluid recycling; promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for business jets.
Vegetated buffer zones have been created around the airfield to reduce noise for nearby residential areas.
Advantages and Highlights
Quick access to downtown Chicago;
Multiple 24/7 full-service FBOs;
Comprehensive passenger and crew support;
Facilities suited to midsize and heavy jets;
Efficient alternative to O’Hare for private flights;
Convenient connections to major highways and rail links.
These strengths make Chicago Midway a preferred base for business aviation across the Great Lakes region.
Conclusion
Chicago Midway International Airport offers a rare balance of accessibility, comfort, and efficiency for private travelers. Its proximity to downtown, high-quality FBOs, and professional services make it an ideal operational base for corporate and long-range private flights.
Every mission is managed with precision—discreet reception, quick technical assistance, and tailored coordination—meeting the highest standards of American business aviation.
