Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on May 8 the establishment of “Midway Day,” an annual observance recognizing the date when Chicago Municipal Airport, now known as Midway International Airport, first opened in 1926. The announcement marks nearly a century since Chicago entered the era of modern aviation and aims to celebrate both historical milestones and ongoing contributions from aviation workers.
The designation of Midway Day highlights the significance of aviation in shaping Chicago’s connectivity and economic growth. The city’s airports are central to its role as a transportation hub, supporting jobs and facilitating global trade.
In a symbolic act on May 8, 1926, four carrier pigeons were released carrying a message to Washington, D.C., announcing the airport’s opening. Mayor Johnson said, “Chicago has always been a city that moves people, goods, and ideas. On May 8, 1926, that spirit took to the skies at Chicago Municipal Airport, which we now know as Midway. ‘Midway Day’ gives us a chance each year to celebrate that defining moment and the generations of aviation workers who have kept Chicago connected to the world ever since.”
Michael J. McMurray, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), said: “Midway is where Chicago’s aviation story began. From that first symbolic message carried by pigeons to the global connectivity we deliver today, Midway has played a foundational role in shaping our city’s growth. As we look ahead to Midway’s centennial next year, this new observance gives us a meaningful way to connect our history to the future we’re building across Chicago’s airport system.”
Today O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport support hundreds of thousands of jobs for residents and serve as gateways for travelers and commerce throughout the region; these facilities are managed by CDA without relying on local or state taxes according to the official website. The department advances economic development through responsible management while collaborating with partners such as American Airlines for key milestones including anniversaries at O’Hare.
“Nearly a century after that first moment of flight, Chicago remains one of the most connected cities in the world,” McMurray added. “We’re continuing that legacy through investments that will ensure our airports serve the next generation of travelers and communities.”
The City plans further commemorations for Midway’s centennial celebration in 2027.
