Exploring the Airports of Chicagoland: A Comprehensive Guide
- Chicagos Leading Edge
- Mar 18
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 2
The Chicagoland area is home to a diverse array of airports, ranging from major international hubs to smaller municipal and regional airports. Whether you're a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or a traveler looking for the most convenient option, here’s an overview of the airports in and around Chicago, including their locations, website links, and directions from downtown Chicago.
Table of Contents
Major International Airports
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)
Regional and Municipal Airports
Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)
Waukegan National Airport (UGN)
DuPage Airport (DPA)
Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR)
Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C)
Lake in the Hills Airport (3CK)
Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport (1C5)
Joliet Regional Airport (JOT)
Lansing Municipal Airport (IGQ)
Morris Municipal-James R. Washburn Field (C09)
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB)
Bult Field (C56)
Charles R. Walgreens Field (C73)
Private & Airpark Airports
Naper Aero Club Airport (LL10)
Brookeridge Airpark (LL22)
Poplar Grove Airport (C77)
Galt Airport (10C)
Airports in Nearby States
Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW)
Porter County Regional Airport (VPZ)
Major International Airports
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
History: Originally developed as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 aircraft during World War II, the site transitioned to a commercial airport post-war. It was renamed in 1949 to honor naval aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare. O'Hare pioneered concepts such as concourses and jet bridges, becoming one of the world's busiest airports by the 1960s.
Established: 1944
Primary Purpose: Commercial aviation hub for domestic and international flights
Website: O’Hare International Airport
Location: Chicago, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: Northwest
Midway International Airport (MDW)
History: Opened as Chicago Municipal Airport, it quickly became one of the nation's busiest airports. In 1949, it was renamed Midway in honor of the Battle of Midway from World War II.
Established: 1927
Primary Purpose: Commercial aviation, primarily serving domestic flights
Website: Midway International Airport
Location: Chicago, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: Southwest
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
History: Located in Rockford, Illinois, this airport began as a military training facility known as Camp Grant in 1917. Post-World War II, it transitioned to a commercial airport and has since evolved into a significant cargo hub, housing UPS's largest regional parcel-sorting center. The airport also offers limited passenger services, primarily focusing on low-cost leisure flights.
Established: 1946
Primary Purpose: Cargo operations, general aviation, and limited commercial passenger service
Location: Rockford, IL
Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)
History: Positioned as the "third airport" for the Chicago metropolitan area, Gary/Chicago International Airport has undergone significant developments to serve both general aviation and potential commercial airline services. The airport has extended its main runway and improved facilities to attract corporate aircraft and businesses.
Established: 1950s
Primary Purpose: General aviation, corporate flights, and potential commercial service
Website: Gary/Chicago International Airport
Location: Gary, IN
Direction from Downtown Chicago: East
Regional and Municipal Airports
Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)
History: Founded as a 40-acre grass airfield, it has grown into a significant general aviation airport, acting as a reliever for Chicago's major airports.
Established: 1926
Primary Purpose: General aviation, serving corporate and private aircraft
Website: Chicago Executive Airport
Location: Wheeling, IL
Waukegan National Airport (UGN)
History: Located 40 miles north of Chicago in Waukegan, Illinois, Waukegan National Airport operates as a reliever airport for Chicago's O'Hare International. It features two runways and offers services such as an Instrument Landing System and U.S. Customs office for international arrivals. The airport caters to corporate aviation and is equipped to handle large corporate jets.
Established: 1956
Primary Purpose: General aviation, serving private, corporate, and governmental aircraft
Website: Waukegan National Airport
Location: Waukegan, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: North
DuPage Airport (DPA)
History: Initially built by the U.S. Navy during World War II, it has evolved into a major general aviation facility, serving as a reliever for Chicago's primary airports.
Established: 1943
Primary Purpose: General aviation, including corporate aviation and flight training
Website: DuPage Airport
Location: West Chicago, IL
Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR)
History: Developed to serve the western suburbs of Chicago, it has grown to accommodate a variety of general aviation activities.
Established: 1966
Primary Purpose: General aviation, supporting private and corporate flights
Website: Aurora Municipal Airport
Location: Sugar Grove, IL
Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C)
History: Serving the northwest suburbs, it caters to flight schools and private pilots.
Established: 1959
Primary Purpose: General aviation, flight training, and recreational flying
Website: Schaumburg Regional Airport
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Lake in the Hills Airport (3CK)
History: Provides services for private pilots and flight instruction in the region.
Established: 1957
Primary Purpose: General aviation and flight training
Website: Lake in the Hills Airport
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL
Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport (1C5)
History: Known for its community involvement, including hosting aviation events and educational programs.
Established: 1958
Primary Purpose: General aviation, flight training, and community events
Location: Bolingbrook, IL
Joliet Regional Airport (JOT)
History: One of the older airports in the area, serving the Joliet region's aviation needs.
Established: 1930
Primary Purpose: General aviation and flight training
Website: Joliet Regional Airport
Location: Joliet, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: Southwest
Lansing Municipal Airport (IGQ)
History: Supports a variety of aviation activities for the southern suburbs.
Established: 1948
Primary Purpose: General aviation and corporate flights
Website: Lansing Municipal Airport
Location: Lansing, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: South
Morris Municipal-James R. Washburn Field (C09)
History: Serves the Morris community and surrounding areas for private aviation.
Established: 1965
Primary Purpose: General aviation
Location: Morris, IL
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB)
History: Provides aviation services to DeKalb and Northern Illinois University.
Established: 1948
Primary Purpose: General aviation and flight training
Website: DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
Location: DeKalb, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: West
Bult Field (C56)
History: A newer facility catering to private pilots in the region.
Established: 2008
Primary Purpose: General aviation
Website: Bult Field
Location: Monee, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: South
Charles R. Walgreens Field (C73)
History: Named after the founder of Walgreens, serving Dixon and surrounding communities.
Established: 1957
Primary Purpose: General aviation
Website: Charles R. Walgreens Field
Location: Dixon, IL
Direction from Downtown Chicago: West
Private & Airpark Airports
Naper Aero Club Airport (LL10)
History: One of the few residential airparks in Illinois, allowing residents direct access to the runway.
Established: 1953
Primary Purpose: Residential airpark for aviation enthusiasts
Website: Naper Aero Club Airport
Location: Naperville, IL
Brookeridge Airpark (LL22)
History: Combines residential living with aviation facilities for homeowners.
Established: 1962
Primary Purpose: Residential airpark
Website: Brookeridge Airpark
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Poplar Grove Airport (C77)
History: Known for its aviation community and on-site museum.
Established: 1972
Primary Purpose: General aviation and flight training
Website: Poplar Grove Airport
Location: Poplar Grove, IL
Galt Airport (10C)
History: Galt Airport, located in Wonder Lake, Illinois, has been serving the aviation community since 1950. It caters to private pilots, flight training schools, and aviation enthusiasts, providing facilities for both recreational and instructional flying.
Established: 1950
Primary Purpose: General aviation, flight training, and recreational flying
Established: 1950
Website: Galt Airport
Location: Wonder Lake, IL
Airports in Nearby States
Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW)
History: Situated in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kenosha Regional Airport is one of the busiest airports in the state. It serves as a designated reliever airport for the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor, accommodating corporate, freight, and general aviation activities. The airport features three runways and is home to over 220 based aircraft, including flight schools and aviation service businesses.
Established: 1958
Primary Purpose: General and corporate aviation
Website: Kenosha Regional Airport
Location: Kenosha, WI
Porter County Regional Airport (VPZ)
History: Located in Valparaiso, Indiana, Porter County Regional Airport occupies approximately 718 acres and serves as a vital general aviation hub for Northwest Indiana. The airport supports various operations such as corporate flights, law enforcement, air ambulance services, and flight training. It is home to over 150 based aircraft, ranging from small propeller-driven planes to large corporate jets.
Established: 1949
Primary Purpose: General aviation, including corporate flights, flight instruction, and emergency services
Website: Porter County Regional Airport
Location: Valparaiso, IN
Chicagoland’s rich aviation infrastructure serves a variety of needs, from commercial travel to private aviation and cargo transport. Whether you’re planning a flight, training, or just exploring, these airports provide numerous services to make aviation more accessible across the region.