Chicago Midway International Airport closed the departure end of Runway 22L on October 20, 2026, for safety repairs to the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). The system, designed to stop aircraft that overshoot the runway during landing, sustained damage due to recent aircraft activity and requires immediate maintenance.
Flight Disruptions at Midway
The runway closure has resulted in flight delays and cancellations on October 21, 2026, as reported by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The department stated, “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.” Passengers are advised to verify their flight status directly with airlines before traveling to the airport.
EMAS Safety Role and Historical Context
EMAS is installed at more than 70 U.S. airports, including Chicago Midway, where runways are shorter than those at O’Hare International Airport. The system has safely stopped over 20 aircraft that have overrun runways nationwide. The importance of the EMAS is underscored by the 2005 Southwest Airlines crash at Midway, when a plane slid off the runway and breached a fence onto Central Avenue, leading to fatalities and enhancing the airport’s focus on runway safety infrastructure.
Repairs to the EMAS
at Runway 22L are expected to be completed by mid-November 2026. Weather conditions and operational factors such as wind direction will continue to influence the level of flight disruptions until repairs are finalized.
