List of airports in Illinois
Discovering the Airports of Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide
Illinois is a major hub for aviation, boasting a mix of large international airports, busy regional airports, and countless general‑aviation fields. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or a casual tourist planning your next trip, knowing where to land in the Land of Lincoln can save time, money, and a lot of headaches.
This guide dives deep into the types of airports you’ll find across Illinois, highlights the most popular ones in key cities, and provides a handy table of all airports in the state. You’ll also find practical travel tips, a helpful FAQ, and useful resources to help you plan your journey.
Types of Airports in Illinois
| Category | Definition | Typical Passengers | Typical Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| International/Primary | Major airports that handle commercial airliners and international flights. | Masses of commercial and cargo passengers | Extensive terminals, duty‑free shops, parking, lounges, ground‑transport links |
| Regional | Mid‑scale airports serving smaller regional airlines and general aviation. | Regional travelers, cargo, charter flights | Comfortable lounges, rental cars, small dining options |
| General‑Aviation (GA) | Small airports mainly used by private pilots, flight schools, and agricultural services. | Pilots, flight training, gliders, crop dusters | Basic terminals, flight‑training facilities, fuel services |
| Heliports | Dedicated facilities for helicopters only. | Corporate, ambulance, emergency services | Mostly used for business and emergency transport |
Illinois’ diverse airport infrastructure offers something for almost every travel need, whether you’re flying in an Air Force One, a private C‑172, or a budget airline from a local runway.
Key Airports by Major Illinois Cities
| City | Leading Airport | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) | One of the world’s busiest airports, 60+ airlines, nonstop to 150+ destinations |
| Chicago Midway International (MDW) | Major hub for United’s domestic flights, close‑proximity commuter hub | |
| Chicago Rockford International (RFD) | Regional hub with easy access to Chicago – perfect for business travelers | |
| Peoria | Peoria International (PIA) | Regional and charter services, convenient for the Midwest region |
| Springfield | Illinois Valley Regional Airport (SPI) | Strong commercial and general‑aviation traffic |
| Quad Cities | Moline Municipal Airport (MLN) | Ideal for corporate flight crews and private pilots |
| Decatur | Decatur Municipal–Davis Field (DSF) | Small but well‑served by a handful of airlines |
The list above includes only the busiest airports in each major city; there are many more smaller airports that provide critical connectivity to rural parts of the state.
Finding the Right Airport for Your Needs
What’s your primary goal?
| Scenario | Recommended Airport | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Long‑haul international flight | O’Hare (ORD) | World‑class facilities, direct international routes |
| Short‑haul or business trips | Midway (MDW) or Rockford (RFD) | Shorter security lines, closer to downtown |
| Flying a small private plane | Any of the 200+ general‑aviation airports | Low traffic, dedicated instrument approaches |
| Need easy access to airports in two cities (e.g., Chicago & Peoria) | Use a mix of ORD/MDW and PIA | Best connectivity options for multiple destinations |
Remember to factor in ground transport options, parking fees, and the average time it takes to go from the airport to your destination. Most Chicago airports offer high‑speed rail or express bus lines to downtown.
Table: List of Airports in Illinois
| # | Airport Name | FAA Code | IATA Code | Airport Type | City/County | Owned By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago O’Hare International | ORD | ORD | International | Chicago | City of Chicago | 60+ airlines |
| 2 | Chicago Midway International | MDW | MDW | International | Chicago | City of Chicago | Major United hub |
| 3 | Chicago Rockford International | RFD | RFD | International | Rockford | City of Rockford | Regional hub |
| 4 | Peoria International | PIA | PIA | Regional | Peoria | City of Peoria | 28 destinations |
| 5 | Quincy Regional | UHY | UHY | Regional | Quincy | City of Quincy | 12 airlines |
| 6 | Springfield Illinois Valley Regional | SPI | SPI | Regional | Springfield | City of Springfield | Serves 8 airlines |
| 7 | DeKalb Municipal | BND | BND | Regional | DeKalb | City of DeKalb | 7 carriers |
| 8 | Moline Municipal | MLN | RWI | General‑Aviation | Moline | City of Moline | 24-hour FAA |
| 9 | Champaign County Airport | CHI | – | General‑Aviation | Champaign | City of Champaign | Flight training hub |
| 10 | Bloomington Regional | BMG | BMG | Regional | Bloomington | City of Bloomington | Airport operations center |
| 11 | Joliet International | JIA | JIA | Regional | Joliet | City of Joliet | 4 airlines |
| 12 | St. Charles County | SGC | SGC | General‑Aviation | St. Charles | County of St. Charles | Remote flight school |
| 13 | Ottawa Municipal | UHA | – | General‑Aviation | Ottawa | City of Ottawa | 24‑hour fueling |
| 14 | Kankakee Regional | KKE | KKE | Regional | Kankakee | City of Kankakee | Multi‑aircraft |
| 15 | Champaign Airport (Cahokia) | – | CHT | General‑Aviation | Cahokia | Private | Small glider center |
(This table outlines the 15 most accessed airports in Illinois, but the state actually has over 200 aviation facilities, including numerous privately owned and specialty airstrips.)
Safety and Services at Illinois Airports
Illinois airports consistently rank high nationally for safety compliance, primarily due to stringent FAA oversight and state‑level aviation regulations. Pilots and passengers can expect:
- Well‑qualified air traffic controllers in busy hubs and small control towers
- Regular runway maintenance for primary and secondary airports
- Comprehensive safety training facilities at general‑aviation airports
- Emergency response teams equipped to handle small aircraft accidents
In larger airports, you’ll also find:
- Advanced security screening – TSA‑approved checkpoints
- Airport lounges for premium passengers
- Shuttle buses/taxis and high‑speed rail connections
- Diverse dining options from quick‑stop coffee shops to full‑service restaurants
- Retail shops ranging from duty‑free goods to local artisanal products
Travel Tips for Illinois Airport Users
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Book Earlier for O’Hare | O’Hare can be the most congested airport in the U.S.; book flights and check-in online to avoid line‑up delays |
| Use Flight Tracking Apps | Flights can shift due to weather or strikes (e.g., United’s MDW traffic); flight tracking helps you stay informed |
| Consider Midway for Lower Costs | Midway often offers cheaper domestic pricing and fewer crowds |
| Take Advantage of Airport Loyalty Programs | Frequent flyers can redeem points for upgrades or lounge access across multiple Illinois airports |
| Check Ground Transport Passes | Chicago’s CTA train and bus passes can reduce overall travel costs, especially for longer day‑trip itineraries |
| Pack Light for General‑Aviation Flights | Many GA airports operate on a “no‑frills” basis; packing only essentials ensures faster processing |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Airports
Q1: What is the difference between ORD and MDW?
A1: ORD (O’Hare) is a large international hub with extensive global flights, while MDW (Midway) focuses mainly on domestic and regional United flights.
Q2: Which Illinois airport is best for a short business trip to the Midwest?
A2: Midway (MDW) is typically quickest for downtown Chicago business travel, while regional airports like PIA or RFD serve smaller cities efficiently.
Q3: Are there any free parking options at Illinois airports?
A3: Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway offer free short‑term parking for up to 14 days, but it’s always best to check the official airport website for the latest rates.
Q4: How can I find an airport for a private plane in rural Illinois?
A4: Use the FAA’s Airport Data website or the Illinois Aviation Commission directory to locate general–aviation fields in specific counties.
Q5: Do Illinois airports offer international flights to Canada?
A5: Yes, O’Hare, Midway, and Rockford all provide nonstop flights to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Resources
- FAA National Flight Data Center – https://www.faa.gov/airport/airport_data – Up‑to‑date airport codes and classifications
- Illinois Aviation Commission – https://www.illinoisaviation.org/ – State‑level aviation oversight, safety data, and public information
- Chicago Department of Transportation – Airport Information – https://www.chicago.gov/dot/airport – Transportation links, real‑time flight status, and parking options for ORD and MDW
- IATA Airport Codes – https://www.iata.org/ – Global database of IATA codes for all airports
- Airport Authority of Chicago – https://www.airportauthorityofchicago.org/ – General information on Chicago’s airport operations, future expansion projects, and sustainability initiatives
Use these resources for booking, troubleshooting, or simply to stay informed about changes in the Illinois aviation landscape.
