If you’ve spent any time at Chicago’s "other" airport lately, you know it’s not exactly the sleepy alternative it used to be. Things are moving fast. Between a massive airfield overhaul and Southwest Airlines basically rewriting its entire business model, Chicago Midway Airport news has become a daily topic for locals and travelers alike.
Honestly, it’s about time.
For years, Midway lived in O'Hare’s shadow. It was the place you went for cheap flights and maybe a Potbelly sandwich before cramming into a 737. But right now, Midway is in the middle of a serious glow-up. We aren't just talking about new paint. We’re talking about a multi-year modernization that just wrapped up its biggest phases, and 2026 is looking like the year it all finally clicks.
The Big Shakeup: Southwest’s "New Era" at Midway
You can't talk about Midway without talking about Southwest Airlines. They own the place. Seriously, they account for the vast majority of traffic here. But if you haven't checked the news lately, you might want to sit down. Southwest is ending its famous open-seating policy.
By the end of this month—January 2026—the days of the "Midway Sprint" for an aisle seat are officially over. The airline is transitioning to assigned seating and introducing premium rows with extra legroom. It’s a massive culture shift for a carrier that has defined the MDW experience for decades.
And the expansion isn't stopping at the seat map. Southwest just dropped a bombshell about its 2026 schedule. Starting in March, they’re launching new nonstop service to:
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- Des Moines (DSM)
- Milwaukee (MKE)
- Wichita (ICT)
It's clear they are doubling down on being the king of regional Midwest travel. But there’s a bigger play happening too. Southwest has started rolling out transatlantic partnerships. While you won't see a Southwest plane landing in London just yet, they are now feeding passengers from Midway into international hubs like O'Hare and Atlanta to connect with partners like Turkish Airlines and Icelandair on single-ticket itineraries.
Construction, Concessions, and the "Naming Rights" Rumor
If you’ve driven near 63rd Street lately, you’ve seen the orange barrels. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) just confirmed that the massive airfield rehabilitation project is essentially done. This was a huge deal—runway 13C-31C, the airport's busiest strip of pavement, got a full repaving.
They also modernized the taxiway geometry. Basically, they made the "ground traffic" move more like a highway and less like a congested parking lot.
Would you park in the "Coca-Cola" Lot?
The latest headline that has everyone talking is the city’s move to sell naming rights. Just this week, on January 14, 2026, the CDA issued a "Request for Information" to see if big brands want to put their names on airport assets.
We’re not just talking about the terminals. They are looking at:
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- Parking structures and lots
- Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Children’s play areas
- Airport shuttle buses
Imagine landing at Midway and taking the "Google Shuttle" to the "State Farm Parking Garage." It sounds a little "Blade Runner," but the city says it’s all about generating revenue to keep costs down for airlines and passengers. No contracts are signed yet, but the push is officially on.
The Food Scene: More Than Just a Food Court
Midway Partnership—the group running the shops and eats—has been busy. They’ve managed to double the amount of concession space to over 70,000 square feet.
If you haven't been in a while, the "Central Market" is unrecognizable compared to five years ago. They recently opened a Johnston & Murphy and a Chicago Sports store, but the real news is the local food. They are leaning hard into the "Chicago-inspired" vibe.
Expert Tip: If you're looking for the best "grab and go" in the airport, check out R.J. Grunts. It just won a global award for "Airport Food to Go Offer of the Year" at the 2025 FAB Awards. It’s a local legend for a reason.
Accessibility and "Hidden" Upgrades
One of the more subtle pieces of Chicago Midway Airport news involves how they handle "invisible" challenges. The CDA recently expanded its sensory accessibility program.
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They’ve introduced sensory maps and videos that show travelers exactly what to expect in terms of noise and crowds before they even arrive. If you or someone you're traveling with has sensory sensitivities, you can now grab "sensory kits" at the information desks. These include noise-reducing headphones and fidget tools. It’s a small change that makes a massive difference for families.
Navigation and Transport: Getting to MDW in 2026
The Orange Line remains the goat. It’s still $2.50 to get from the Loop to the terminal in about 25 minutes. However, if you’re driving, keep an eye on the parking rates.
The off-site lots like The Parking Spot and Midway SpeedPark are still hovering around $18–$22 a day for valet. If you try to park in the main terminal garage, expect to pay significantly more. The city is pushing for more EV infrastructure, so if you’re driving a Tesla or a Rivian, finding a charger at the airport is finally becoming a realistic expectation rather than a gamble.
What’s Next for Midway Travelers?
The airport is hitting a record-breaking stride. In 2025, they cleared 22 million annual passengers, and 2026 is on track to beat that.
If you are planning a trip, here is the "insider" way to handle the new Midway:
- Check your seat: If you're flying Southwest, double-check your boarding pass. The "open seating" era is ending, so don't show up expecting to just pick a spot.
- Book parking early: With the surge in travelers, the economy lots are filling up by Tuesday mornings.
- Use the sensory resources: If you have kids, watch the point-of-view terminal videos on the FlyChicago website before you go. It helps take the "scary" out of the security line.
Midway has transitioned from a cramped regional hub into a legit domestic powerhouse. It’s still easier to navigate than O’Hare, but it’s finally getting the amenities that make it feel like a modern international gateway.
Actionable Insight: Before your next flight, download the Ventra app to your phone for the Orange Line and check the Southwest app for your new assigned seating details. If you’re driving, reserve your parking spot at least 48 hours in advance to lock in the lower "web-only" rates at off-site lots.