Illinois, a key state in the United States, is served by several major airports critical to both domestic and international travel. The state's aviation infrastructure is dominated by Chicago's two major airports, O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, which collectively handle tens of millions of passengers annually. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, while Midway serves primarily as a hub for Southwest Airlines, offering convenient access to Chicago's city center. Beyond Chicago, Illinois features a network of regional airports that provide essential connectivity to smaller cities and communities across the state, supporting both business and leisure travel. Many of these regional airports offer flights through a mix of legacy and low-cost carriers, enhancing travel options. Illinois’ airports play a vital role in connecting the Midwest region to the wider United States and international destinations.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located about 27 kilometers northwest of downtown Chicago, on the northwest side of the city. It is the primary international gateway of Illinois and is among the busiest airports globally, known for having the most runways in the world. O'Hare is a crucial hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, handling a vast majority of flights to destinations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia and beyond. The airport features four large terminals serving over 190 gates and offers extensive facilities and ground transportation options including trains, buses, shuttles and taxis connecting to Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the second largest airport serving Chicago, located roughly 13 kilometers southwest of the downtown area. It is the closest airport to Chicago’s business districts and is the primary hub for Southwest Airlines, focusing on low-cost, domestic routes. Midway Airport has a single terminal with three concourses and is currently undergoing expansion to improve capacity and passenger experience. The airport offers convenient public transit access via the Chicago Transit Authority’s Orange Line, as well as shuttle and taxi services.
Outside the Chicago metropolitan area, Illinois is served by several regional airports that cater to smaller cities and connect them to major hubs. Quad City International Airport (MLI) in Moline serves the Illinois-Iowa border area and offers flights on carriers including American, United and Allegiant Air. The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) supports the Peoria area with service from major airlines like American and United. Other notable regional airports include Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (BMI), offering flights from Allegiant Air, American, Frontier and Delta and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), which is increasingly popular for budget travelers via Allegiant Air.
Additional airports such as Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield, University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) in Champaign and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) near Belleville provide important regional air service with a mix of low-cost and legacy carriers, helping to distribute air traffic throughout the state.
Illinois airports combine the efficiency of large international hubs with the convenience of regional airports, supported by a diversity of airlines spanning legacy carriers like United, American and Delta, as well as budget-friendly airlines such as Southwest, Allegiant Air and Frontier. This network creates robust connectivity for passengers traveling within Illinois, the greater Midwest and globally.
