Terminal building
Holds ticketing, check-in, baggage claim and ground transportation. It is on the east side of Cicero Avenue, with a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the concourses.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago, Illinois KMDW #31 US airport by passengers
On the Southwest Side of Chicago, on Cicero Avenue. The CTA Orange Line station is next to the terminal.
- FAA status
- No delays reported Updated 13 min ago
- Weather now
- VFR 63°F Observed 1 h ago
- Late departures
- 37.2%May 2026 to July 2026
- Security line
- No recent reportsAdd yours
MDW at a glance
Midway is a smaller, easy-to-use airport. Most of the airport is built around one terminal building, a pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue and three concourses, A, B and C.
Its biggest selling point is simplicity: one security checkpoint, a central food and shopping area called the Central Market, and a direct CTA train to downtown Chicago.
Main airlines: Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at Midway, with a large domestic network. Delta, Allegiant, Frontier and Avelo also serve the airport, and Volaris flies to Mexico from Concourse A.
FAA delay status for MDW
The FAA is not reporting a ground stop, ground delay program or other delay at MDW right now.
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 13 min ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
Current conditions at MDW
VFR
63°F17°C
Good visibility and high cloud base. Normal operations are typical.
- Wind
- 180° 8 mph
- Visibility
- 10+ mi
- Clouds
- FEW 8,500 ft, FEW 25,000 ft
- Ceiling
- None
- Pressure
- 30.10 inHg
METARMETAR KMDW 101153Z 18007KT 10SM FEW085 FEW250 17/09 A3010 RMK AO2 SLP188 T01720089 10189 20172 51009
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 1 h ago.
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
On-time performance at MDW
Based on 20,485 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
37.2%Departures late
27.7%Arrivals late
1.39%Cancelled
22.1 minAverage departure delay
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 19,723 | 37.8% |
| Delta Air Lines | 348 | 19.0% |
| Frontier Airlines | 281 | 21.4% |
| Allegiant Air | 115 | 31.3% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, On-Time Performance of reporting carriers. Smaller regional carriers and some airlines are not included.
Late departures by month
Terminals
Central Market
The food and shopping area after security, where Concourses A, B and C meet. The Club MDW lounge and the USO are both in this area.
Concourse A
Mostly Southwest gates, plus Frontier and Volaris. Volaris flights to Mexico leave from here, and the customs facility for international arrivals is on the lower level.
Concourse B
The longest concourse at Midway, with moving walkways. It serves Southwest, Delta, Allegiant and Avelo.
Concourse C
Connects to the Central Market at the same point as Concourses A and B. Check your gate on the departure boards, since gate assignments can change close to departure.
Moving between terminals
After security, you walk through the Central Market to reach any concourse, so there is no need for a train or a second screening. Concourse B is the longest, so allow extra time there, and use the moving walkways where they are provided.
Getting to and from MDW
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Rail
CTA Orange Line
The station is at the Midway Transportation Center, connected to the terminal by an enclosed walkway. Trains run from about 4 a.m. to 1 a.m., and the trip to downtown takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Follow the signs for "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."
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Bus
CTA and Pace buses
CTA and Pace buses use the same Midway Transportation Center. The N62 Archer bus provides overnight service. A stored-value Transit Card lets you make up to two transfers within two hours for 25 cents.
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Rideshare and taxi
Ground transportation level
Taxis, limousines and rideshare vehicles pick up on the ground level outside baggage claim. Ask the driver about the pick-up point before you exit.
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Rental car
Consolidated rental car facility
Many rental car companies share one facility near the airport. Follow the rental car signs on the ground transportation level.
Tips for MDW
- Midway is small, and the airside amenities are limited. Plan on one lounge and a food court, and bring entertainment if you have a long layover.
- Concourse B is the longest, so allow time to walk from the Central Market to your gate.
- If you are flying out early, the CTA train starts running at about 4 a.m., so you can reach the airport without a car.
- A permanent Battle of Midway exhibit, about the WWII naval battle the airport is named after, is located near Concourse A.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Midway to downtown Chicago by train?
Take the CTA Orange Line from the Midway Transportation Center, which connects to the terminal by an enclosed walkway. The trip to the Loop takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Is there a lounge at Midway?
Yes. The Club MDW is near Gate B1 in the Central Market. It is open to all travelers with a day pass, Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership.
Can I walk between all concourses after security?
Yes. The Central Market connects Concourses A, B and C, and you do not need to go through security again.
How busy is MDW?
About 9,367,712 passengers boarded flights at Chicago Midway International Airport in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 31 among US airports.
How often are flights late at MDW?
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 37.2% of departures at MDW left 15 or more minutes late, and 1.39% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 9, 2026. Report a correction