The Chicago Department of Aviation closed Runway 22L at Chicago Midway International Airport on October 20, 2026, for safety repairs on the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) located at the departure end of the runway. EMAS is a bed of crushable material designed to stop aircraft that overrun runways, a critical safety feature at Midway due to its shorter runways compared to O’Hare International Airport.
Damage to the EMAS was caused by recent aircraft activity, prompting immediate repair work. The Federal Aviation Administration reports EMAS is installed at over 70 airports nationwide and has safely stopped more than 20 overrunning
aircraft. The 2005 Southwest Airlines runway overrun and subsequent crash at Midway near Central Avenue underscore EMAS’s importance for airport safety. Repairs are scheduled to be completed by mid-November 2026.
Flight Delays and Disruptions Expected During Repairs
The closure of Runway 22L is expected to lead to flight delays and cancellations at Midway. The Chicago Department of Aviation warned that the level of disruption will depend on airline schedules and weather conditions, especially wind direction, which affects how the airport’s four-runway network is utilized for arrivals and departures. Travelers are being urged to check their flight status and coordinate with their airlines until repairs conclude.
Southwest Airlines
is the carrier historically linked to the 2005 Midway runway accident, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at the airport. The situation today reflects a continued emphasis on ensuring runway safety systems remain operational to prevent future incidents.
