Chicago Midway International Airport closed Runway 22L on October 20, 2026, due to damage at the departure end requiring safety repairs. The closure is ongoing as airport officials address issues with the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) on the runway.
EMAS Repairs Drive Runway Closure at Midway
EMAS is a specialized bed of crushable material designed to safely stop aircraft that overshoot a runway. It is installed at over 70 airports across the United States and has successfully halted more than 20 aircraft in overrun incidents nationwide, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. At Midway, where runways are shorter than at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, EMAS provides
critical safety backup for landing planes.
Flight Disruptions and Passenger Guidance
The temporary closure of Runway 22L is causing flight delays and cancellations at Chicago Midway. The Chicago Department of Aviation noted that “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.” Travelers are urged to verify flight status and coordinate with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Safety improvements at Midway remain a priority following the 2005 Southwest Airlines fatal crash, in which a plane overran the runway, underscoring the importance
of EMAS repairs. The Chicago Department of Aviation expects the EMAS repairs to be completed by mid-November 2026.
