Dear Traveler:

It is my privilege to welcome you to O’Hare and Midway International Airports!
 

As we wrap up a busy summer travel season, we’re excited to welcome fall at O’Hare and Midway. In this edition of Air Chicago, you’ll find updates on what’s new at our airports and travel inspiration from our airline partners.
 

This issue is special to me, as it’s the first since I was appointed Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) in May. I bring experience from both public service and the private sector, including time as a Deputy Commissioner at the CDA. It’s an honor to now lead one of the world’s busiest aviation systems during a time of transformative growth.
 

I’m a proud South Side native, and the values I learned growing up continue to guide my work. Since returning, I’ve been grateful to reconnect with our incredible staff and partners.
 

Of course, while fall settles here in Chicago, many of us start thinking about one more warm-weather escape before the year ends. If you’re looking for inspiration, the Caribbean is an ideal getaway, and in the Across the Map section (pg. 22), our itinerary takes you to St. Martin, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Nassau and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St. Croix).
 

If you’re passing through O’Hare Terminal 5, be sure to stop by The Dearborn, our newest restaurant serving Midwest-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting. Also, across our airports, there’s exciting momentum with a major runway redevelopment at Midway and a new partnership between O’Hare and iGA Istanbul Airports. You can learn more about these developments and The Dearborn in the At the Airport section on page 16.
 

I hope you enjoy the fall edition of Air Chicago, and I look forward to greeting you again in the future. From all of us at the CDA, may your travels be safe and wonderful — we can’t wait to have you back!
 

Sincerely,
Mike McMurray
Commissioner