WELCOME BACK TO CHICAGO’S AIRPORTS

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is ready to welcome you to the Windy City!

Chicago is eager to reconnect travelers to the world through its two first-class airports. Chicago O’hare and Midway International Airports comprise one of the most connected airport systems in the world. Our airports are hubs to three of the four largest carriers in the United States — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

On average, O’hare and Midway International Airports together handled over 105 million passengers and nearly 1.2 million aircraft operations in 2019. Prior to the pandemic, 55 passenger airlines provided nonstop service from Chicago to 275 destinations worldwide. Airlines are gradually restoring capacity lost during 2020, remaining flexible with scheduling according to passenger demand and governmental restrictions.

The CDA has been in close contact with federal and public health partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to strictly adhere to their recommendations to combat COVID-19 at Chicago’s airports. These measures include:

• enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all surfaces in accordance with all CDC guidance;

• ventilation that exceeds CDC recommendations;

• hundreds of new hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the airports, as well as hundreds of Plexiglas barriers to ensure passenger and employee safety;

• hundreds of social distancing markers on floors in areas where lines form;

• public address announcements in English, Spanish and Polish.

Food, beverages, retail items and essentials are available at both airports with safety protocols in place to continue to ensure the traveling public’s safety. Additional contactless payment options are available, Plexiglas dividers have been installed and menus are available by scanning QR codes. Staff members are looking forward to your return and excited to serve you once again!

Outside of Chicago’s airports, there are 77 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods which offer unique experiences filled with cultural treasures. From magnificent museums to architectural marvels, Chicago’s neighborhoods are a must-visit for any traveler to get a true taste of the city. Chicago’s dynamic culinary scene draws tourists from all over the world. We hope you will have an opportunity to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods and discover a favorite local restaurant, as there are many hidden gems to explore.

Whether you call ’Sweet Home Chicago’ your personal anthem or visit as our special guest, O’hare and Midway International Airports are ready to welcome you back to travel.