Chicago Midway International Airport has closed runway 22L for safety repairs due to damage at the departure end caused by recent aircraft activity. The closure is ongoing as of October 20, 2026.
The repairs focus on the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS), a bed of crushable material designed to stop planes that overrun the runway during landing. EMAS is in place at more than 70 U.S. airports and has safely stopped over 20 aircraft nationwide. Midway’s shorter runways increase reliance on the EMAS for safety.
The closure of runway 22L has resulted in flight delays and cancellations affecting Chicago Midway’s
operations. Flight schedules are currently disrupted for departures and arrivals at the airport.
Repairs on runway 22L are expected to be completed by mid-November 2026. Until then, travelers are advised to verify their flight status and coordinate with their airlines before traveling to the airport.
A fatal Southwest Airlines crash in 2005 at Midway, where a plane slid off a runway near Central Avenue, underscores the critical nature of the EMAS repairs to ensure safety and prevent runway overruns.
Chicago Department of Aviation Statement
The Chicago Department of Aviation said, “The extent of these disruptions will vary based on airline schedules and weather conditions, particularly
wind direction, which affects how the airport’s four-runway network can be used for arrivals and departures.” This statement highlights the factors influencing current flight operations at Midway during the runway closure.
