Chicago Department of Aviation | Chicago Department of Aviation
Chicago Department of Aviation | Chicago Department of Aviation
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is set to welcome nearly 1.75 million passengers at O’Hare and Midway International Airports between Thursday, Aug. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 3, marking an 8.9% increase in traffic compared to 2023.
“Chicago just welcomed tens of thousands of visitors for the Democratic National Convention, and this Labor Day weekend, we are excited to celebrate with even more visitors from across the world,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Travelers will enjoy new amenities and features at O’Hare and Midway Airports, including some of our famous local restaurants and works by inspiring Chicago artists.”
O’Hare expects to see one of its busiest Labor Day weekends ever with 1.44 million passengers, a 10.2% increase over last year and a 5.9% rise compared to Labor Day weekend in 2019. The peak travel day at O’Hare will be Monday, Sept. 2, with over 270,000 travelers.
Midway anticipates welcoming more than 306,000 people over the six-day period—a 3% increase from last year—with Friday, Aug. 30 projected as the busiest day.
“This has been a unique summer packed with major festivals and conventions that have brought travelers throughout the country and beyond to our great city,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee.
To manage traffic congestion during this busy period, travelers are encouraged to use public transit options like the CTA Blue Line for O'Hare or the CTA Orange Line for Midway. Kiss n' Fly drop-offs and cell phone lots are also recommended for those driving to the airports.
Construction updates include ongoing work on Terminal 3’s ElevateT3 development project at O'Hare scheduled for completion in 2027 and new garage construction at Terminal 5 expected to open in October.
Passengers are advised to check parking availability online before heading to O'Hare due to high demand during peak travel times.
For expedited security screening processes, real-time updates on TSA checkpoints can be found on FlyChicago.com along with CLEAR Lanes available at both airports.
Additional amenities such as Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app for U.S passport holders and Aira visual interpretation app for visually impaired passengers are available at both airports.
The CDA has also partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program aimed at promoting accessibility through lanyards displaying a sunflower symbol available at information booths.
For young travelers, “Welcome to Chicago” patriotic coloring books are accessible at information desks or online.
Entertainment during Labor Day weekend includes performances by drummer Gustavo Cortiñas at Midway’s baggage claim area on Thursday, Aug. 29., and one-man band Alfonso Ponticelli performing American jazz music at O’Hare’s Terminal 1 bridge on Friday, Aug.30.
New dining options include R.J Grunts near Gate B16 at Midway while recent openings at O’Hare include Publican Quality Bread near Gate M5 among others.
Further details about flights parking updates concessions can be accessed via FlyChicago.com
The CDA operates one of the world's busiest airport systems consisting of O'Hare & Midway International Airports offering service worldwide generating approximately $70 billion annually supporting around700000 jobs across nine counties.
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