, · MDW
Recent News
Updated Mar 28, 2026Chicago Department of Aviation expects more than 3.76 million passengers at O'Hare and Midway International Airports between March 19-30, 2026, representing a more than 10% increase compared to the same period last year. Midway is projected to see a 1.4% increase in spring break travel, with Friday, March 27 expected to be the busiest day with over 52,000 passengers.
Southwest Airlines announced it will discontinue flights to Chicago O'Hare Airport as of June 4, 2026, to instead focus on Chicago Midway Airport where it dominates operations. The airline operates more than 90% of the departures from Midway in 2026, making it one of Southwest's largest bases.
Chicago sandwich shop Mr. Beef opened a location at Midway Airport on March 3, 2026, near Gate B14. It is the first airport outpost for the River North establishment, which has been serving Italian beef and sausage sandwiches since 1979.
Gameway, an airport gaming lounge operator, opened its first Chicago location on February 19, 2026, in Concourse A at Midway Airport. Passengers can play the latest video games at reserved areas equipped with gaming PCs, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles that have been sanitized for use.
Airport Profile
Key Financial Data (FY 2024)
Enplaned Passengers (FAA CATS)
Cost per Enplanement (CPE)
Revenue
Expense
Ratemaking Overview
Settlement & True-Up
Not available
Extraordinary Coverage Protection (ECP)
Not available
Landing Fee Methodology
Airfield cost center net of non-airline revenues divided by estimated landed weight
Terminal Rental Rate
Terminal cost center allocated by rentable square footage
Common Use & Gate Allocation
Additional Bonds Test
Two-part test: (i) Certificate from Independent Airport Consultant stating projected Senior Lien Revenues and Other Available Moneys will satisfy Rate Covenant for each of the next three Fiscal Years following issuance (or through two years after project completion if later), with Other Available Moneys limited to amounts either (A) already deposited with Trustee or (B) irrevocably pledged to debt service; OR (ii) Certificate stating Senior Lien Revenues and Other Available Moneys in most recent audited Fiscal Year satisfied Rate Covenant assuming Aggregate Senior Lien Debt Service includes maximum Annual Senior Lien Debt Service on proposed Additional Senior Lien Obligations. Completion Obligations and Refunding Obligations have separate, less restrictive requirements.
Rate Covenant
The City covenants to fix and establish rates and charges so that in each Fiscal Year Senior Lien Revenues, together with Other Available Moneys deposited with the Trustee and any cash balance in the Revenue Fund on the first day of the Fiscal Year not required for other deposits, will be sufficient to: (i) pay Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Fiscal Year; and (ii) provide for the greater of (A) amounts needed to make required deposits into Senior Lien Debt Service Fund, O&M Reserve Account, Working Capital Account, Common Debt Service Reserve Sub-Fund, Junior Lien Obligation Debt Service Fund, Repair and Replacement Fund, and Special Project Fund, or (B) prior to end of FY 2025, 120% of Aggregate Senior Lien Debt Service for the Bond Year commencing during such Fiscal Year; after FY 2025, 125% of Aggregate Senior Lien Debt Service for the Bond Year commencing during such Fiscal Year.
Flow of Funds
All Senior Lien Revenues collected by City. First, monthly deposits to O&M Fund (1/12 of O&M Expense Projection). Remainder deposited to Revenue Fund with Trustee. From Revenue Fund on 10th of month: (1) Senior Lien Debt Service Fund, (2) O&M Reserve Account (1/12 of requirement = 1/6 of annual O&M Expense Projection), (3) Working Capital Account (currently suspended). On 15th of month: (1) Common Debt Service Reserve Sub-Fund (1/12 to reach requirement) and individual series DSRF if applicable, (2) Junior Lien Obligation Debt Service Fund (1/12), (3) Repair and Replacement Fund (1/12), (4) Emergency Reserve Fund (1/12), (5) Special Project Fund, (6) Airport Development Fund. Year-end excess balances transferred to Revenue Fund.
Source Documents
Official Statements
Financial Statements
Source: FAA CATS Form 5100-127, DOT T-100 Market Data, Airport Official Statements · Hub classification: FAA CY 2024 Enplanement Data · Prepared by DWU Consulting