CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2026 — Chicago Midway International Airport abruptly closed Runway 22L on Monday night after a safety system at the end of the runway was found damaged. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) expects the runway to stay shut until mid-November and warns that delays and cancellations are possible.
What happened
- Runway: 22L, one of Midway’s four runways, is closed to both arrivals and departures.
- Why: The CDA says the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at the runway’s departure end was damaged by recent aircraft activity, including jet blast. EMAS is a safety system designed to stop an aircraft that overruns or veers off the runway.
- Background: The system was installed after the 2005 accident in which Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 slid off the runway in heavy snow onto a nearby street, killing a 6-year-old boy.
- When: The closure took effect immediately on Monday night, October 19.
- How long: Repairs are expected to be finished by mid-November. An exact reopening date is TBA.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport | Chicago Midway International (MDW) |
| Runway closed | 22L (arrivals and departures) |
| Closed since | Monday night, Oct. 19, 2026 |
| Expected reopening | Mid-November 2026 (exact date TBA) |
| Possible impact | Delays and cancellations, depending on airline schedules and weather |
The CDA said how much disruption travelers see will depend on airline schedules and the weather, especially wind direction, which decides how Midway’s runway layout can be used for arrivals and departures. No specific cancellation numbers had been reported. CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray said “Safety is the top priority at Chicago’s airports,” adding that the department is working with the FAA and airlines to limit the disruption.
What it means for travelers
- Expect a month of reduced capacity at MDW. With one runway out until mid-November, any airline thinning its Midway schedule would leave fewer seats. Check your flight status close to departure.
- Watch the wind. The CDA says wind direction will drive how bad delays get. On gusty days, expect arrival delays and the risk of misconnects, and book an earlier flight if you have a connection to make.
- Have a Chicago backup. If Midway delays are building, O’Hare (ORD) is the obvious alternate in the Chicago area.
- Carry on. Delayed flights and possible cancellations raise the chance of being moved to a later flight, so keep your bag with you.
Sources
- CBS Chicago — Runway at Midway Airport temporarily closed for safety repairs, CDA says
- NBC Chicago — Safety concerns lead to sudden closure of runway at Midway Airport
- Chicago Sun-Times — Safety repairs cause temporary closure of Midway Airport runway
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