For the first time in the airport’s 95-year history, Midway International Airport will offer a lounge to its customers starting in 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced today.

“Chicago’s original hometown airport is a tremendous driver for jobs and economic opportunity across the South and West Sides, and I am thrilled about the new jobs and amenities this club will provide for our residents and the traveling public,” said Mayor Johnson. “Each year, more than 22.7 million people travel through Midway, and we’re excited to be able to offer each of them this new service worthy of our world-class city.” 

Located in the airport’s Central Market at the intersection of Concourses A and B, The Club MDW will be available for all travelers regardless of airlines and class of service. The Club MDW will offer complimentary food and beverage service to all its patrons in an inviting, relaxing environment. 

“Through the Midway Modernization Program, we have transformed the passenger experience at our South Side airport, with new, local concessions offerings from diverse ownership groups, a new security checkpoint pavilion that doubles screening capacity, and enhancements to the airport’s parking systems,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the CDA, which owns and operates both O’Hare and Midway International Airports. “This new lounge in the heart of Midway is the next step in elevating the passenger experience as Midway continues to see travel numbers that outpace pre-pandemic statistics.”

The Club MDW will be accessible through Priority Pass, the world’s largest airport lounge membership program. A day pass can also be purchased by any Midway passenger with a boarding pass for $50. Construction on The Club MDW will begin early next year for a fall 2024 opening. 

Developed in collaboration with Midway Partnership, which is redeveloping and managing the airport's commercial program in partnership with the CDA, the design of the 3,300-square-foot club will draw inspiration from Chicago’s rich architectural history, featuring high-contrast, monochromatic tones. While the classic minimal geometry offers an elegant backdrop for the design, combining a wide range of materials, including metallic accents and plush upholstery that provide a warm and comforting guest experience.  

“We are delighted to unveil Midway’s first airport lounge. The Club MDW is the latest example of the partnership between Midway Partnership and the Chicago Department of Aviation collectively prioritizing the guest experience and satisfaction of Midway’s passengers,” said Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership. 

Today’s announcement comes at a time when travel figures at Midway are already exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Through July, passenger numbers for the airport sit at 106% of 2019 levels. 

“In the ever-evolving world of travel, we are so thrilled to be a part of this new chapter in Midway International Airport’s 95-year history," said Nancy Knipp, President, Airport Dimensions America. "As a new wave of travelers is redefining how they spend their time in airports, Airport Dimensions is committed to setting new industry standards through innovation, personalized experiences, and exceptional hospitality. The Club MDW has been uniquely designed to celebrate the diverse architectural history of Chicago will offer Midway’s travelers an authentic taste of the city. We are delighted to support Midway Partnership and the CDA to contribute to their vision of elevating the guest experience.”  

Through the airport’s Midway Modernization Program and in collaboration with Midway Partnership, the CDA will open several new food and beverage locations for passengers through the end of this year, including beloved local brands like Connie’s Pizza, Garrett Popcorn Shop, M Burger, and Reilly’s Daughter. More information on the Midway Modernization Program can be found at mdwmod.com. 

About the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA)
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) owns and operates one of the world's busiest airport systems, comprised of O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago's airports offer service to more than 250 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 47 foreign countries, combined. Together, Chicago's airports serve more than 105 million passengers each year and generate approximately $70 billion in annual economic activity for the region. The CDA is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at either airport. For more information, visit www.flychicago.com.  

About Midway Partnership

Midway Partnership is a joint venture comprised of some of the top companies in the aviation industry – Vantage Airport Group, SSP America, and Hudson – tasked with transforming the dining and shopping options at Midway Airport. Midway Partnership will invest more than $75 million to bring more than 70 dining and retail brands to create 250 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent new jobs and increase the total concessions area from approximately 40,000 square feet to more than 70,000 square feet. Our work will position Midway to be a leading international airport in the coming years, generate tens of millions of dollars for Chicago residents and the city, and improve the travel experiences of the 22 million passengers annually. For more information about Midway Partnership, please visit www.midwaypartnership.com. 

About Airport Dimensions

Airport Dimensions has a rapidly growing network of locations at the world’s leading airports across the United States, the Middle East, South America, Asia Pacific and the United Kingdom, where its Club Aspire Heathrow lounge was most recently recognized in the World Travel Awards as Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge and World’s Leading Airport Lounge 2022. Airport Dimensions provides award-winning hospitality services tailored to the specific needs of passengers of over 50 airport and airline partners, across a global network of 51 lounges and experiences, with more in development at the world's leading airports. Airport Dimensions is a Collinson company.