Welcome to Chicago! 
 

On behalf of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), welcome to O’Hare and Midway International Airports. You couldn’t have picked a better time to travel through our airports and visit our beautiful city! 
 

Thanks to Mayor Brandon Johnson and his commitment to Chicago’s airports, we are currently embarking on a very exciting journey. 
 

Over the past year, our airports have shown strong growth. At Midway, passenger levels exceed pre-pandemic levels with a 5.5% increase in travelers compared to 2019. And at O’Hare, several capital improvement projects are in the works. From new restaurants and retail shops to expanded passenger amenities, you will be happy to see the changes we have made and will continue to make to offer travelers like you the best possible passenger experience. Check out some of the happenings At the Airport (pg. 14).
 

As commissioner, I strive to make our airports both inclusive and accessible. We recently launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at both airports. The program gives my team and airport employees the tools and resources they need to assist ALL passengers. The simple sunflower icon allows travelers with disabilities to voluntarily identify as needing extra help. Read more about the program and its implementation in Chicago’s airports (pg. 16).
 

In April, I joined Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and Reps. Chuy Garcia and Danny Davis to break ground on our newest project, ElevateT3. The $300 million project will provide significant upgrades to O’Hare’s Terminal 3, improve security screening and introduce new retail shops and restaurants. 
 

Chicago’s airports are recognized as some of the most connected airports in the world with dozens of non-stop international and domestic routes, including the recently added route on ITA Airways from O’Hare to Leonardo da Vinci–Rome Fiumicino Airport. But our connectivity doesn’t stop there. Head to Across the Map (pg. 42) to check out other destinations you can connect to from one of Chicago’s airports. 
 

While you are exploring our destinations, I hope you take the time to explore the stories of the brave and competitive men and women featured on our cover story (pg. 8). These Olympians and Paralympians with ties to cities and towns across the Midwest are headed to Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games; another destination on our list of non-stop routes. 
 

Thanks for reading, and for choosing O’Hare and Midway for your summer travels. 
 

Sincerely,
Jamie L. Rhee
Commissioner
Chicago Department of Aviation