Chicago Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW, ICAO: KMDW) is the second largest airport of Chicago. In 2021 it received almost 16 million passengers, most of them flying Southwest Airlines. The airport has 5 runways, of which only two are used as runway for commercial aircraft.
Southwest is the dominant carrier of the airport, followed by Frontier. Other, less frequent visitors, are Avelo, Allegiant, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Porter Airlines and Volaris, are regular visitors.

Written by Julian Mittnacht, Jan-Luca Ristow  and Bas Velders. Last change: October 2026, Spot 2 removed

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
4R/22L	6,445 ft  (1,964 m)
4L/22R	5,507 ft (1,679 m)
13L/31R	5,141 ft (1,567 m)
13C/31C	6,522 ft (1,988 m)
13R/31L	3,859 ft (1,176 m)
Terminals	One terminal for all airlines.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Car is recommended, but not necessary. You can walk around the field or use public transport. Midway Airport has its own subway- (Orange line) and bus station and therefor easy accessible from the city centre. With busline 55A/55N/63W it is possible to visit most spots (without a car).
Drinks/Food	Restaurants near almost every spot.
Hotels	South of the terminal along Cicero Ave is the hotel area.
Season	Spring/summer.
Runway Usage
General Info	The two longest runways 4R/22L and 13C/31C are use most. Runway usage varies a lot, depending on the wind conditions. On one trip in 2012 there were 3 runways changes for arrivals in 2 hours.

	Spot #1 – Terminal Ramp/Parking Garage – Departures/Arrivals runway 22L
WHERE	The Terminal offers two options where you can spot, but from both locations it is possible that you will be asked to leave by airport security. First one is the sidewalk next to the entrance to the Southwest check-in. Just cross the access road and walk to the northernmost end, next to a fire hydrant. The other option is to stay on the top floor of the nearby parking garage.
WHAT	Perfect for 22L arrivals and departures/line up. For the line-ups we recommend to stay at the sidewalk, as you have a perfect sight of the taxiway and the 22L threshold from there. Ground is possible from the parking garage too but limited due to some trees. The parking garage is a perfect option for the 22L arrivals.
TIME	From sunrise until afternoon.
MISC.	Everything you need within the terminals. Be aware of disturbing light poles and trees. Be aware that you can be send away by airport security!
FOCAL LENGTH	The 737 is the usual aircraft and you need 200mm for it on the runway/threshold.

Terminal Access Road:

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Terminal Parking Garage:

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	Spot #2 – Parking Deck – Apron overview/Departures & arrivals 22L
WHERE	Update October 2026: The multi storey car park is half closed only the further end is open and top 2 floors are closed with no view of aircraft This spot is on the Economy Parking Garage of the airport  located west of S. Cicero Avenue and north of 55th Street. Get to the uppermost level and you will have a fantastic view of the airport terminal and runway 22L. You can even walk to this spot from the terminal which will take approximate 15 minutes.
WHAT	Arrivals runway 22L and taxiing traffic on the apron.
TIME	From afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Maximum parking rate is 15 USD for 24h. There is a gas station and restaurant on the corner of W55th Street and South Central Avenue (Spot #3). Keep in mind this is private property so you should approach it by car.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-100mm for arrivals/departures 200-300mm for traffic on the apron.

Photo taken from the garage

	Spot #3 – W55 St & South Central Ave – 13C Arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located on the corner of W55th Street and South Central Avenue. You can park your car in the surrounding streets. There are multiple small grass fields where you can stay (depending on the light conditions). By bus: At the bus station get on bus 55A or 55N and get out on 55th Street & Central. The bus ride will cost you 6 minutes (instead of a 30 minute walk).
WHAT	Arrivals runway 13C.
TIME	Early morning (northern side) / ~ 12.00 – sunset (southern side).
MISC.	There is a gas station and restaurant on W55th Street.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-100mm for arrivals

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	Spot #4 – W 63rd Street  – 4R/4L arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located on W 63rd Street and South Central Avenue. You cannot see the runway (blocked by the wall), but arrivals can be photographed. Park your car in the surrounding streets. By bus: A t the bus station get on bus 63W and get out on 63rd Street & Lorel. The bus ride will cost you 3 minutes (instead of a 20 minute walk).
WHAT	Arrivals runway 4R and 4L. Departures can be photographed through the fence near the Midway Armory (small meshes).
TIME	Sunrise till ~ 15.00.
MISC.	On South Central Avenue are some restaurants.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-100mm

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	Spot #5 – W 63rd Street & South Central Ave – 31C arrivals
WHERE	On W 63rd Street and South Cicero Avenue it’s possible to photograph 31C arrivals. From the terminal it is a 15 minute walk. You cannot see the runway, because it is blocked by a wall.
WHAT	Arrivals runway 31C
TIME	Early morning (northern side) / ~ 12.00 – sunset (southern side).
MISC.	You are on the parking lot of White Castle.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-100mm

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	Spot #6 – Cicero Ave & W55th Street – 22L arrivals
WHERE	You can spot from the junction Cicero Ave and W55th Street, which is in walking distance from the terminal. Place yourself along the sidewalk for the preferred angle.
WHAT	Arrivals runway 22L only.
TIME	Early morning (southern side) / ~ 12.00 – sunset (northern side).
MISC.	Terminal is just a five minute walk away.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-100mm

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