Dear Traveler:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the fall season at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, and a new issue of Air Chicago!

We just wrapped up another busy summer, with events like the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza bringing visitors through our airports during the warmer months. Fall also promises to be an active season for travel, and we at the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) are looking forward to being of service to you while at O’Hare and Midway. 
 

Chicago is celebrated across the world for its comedy scene. Other noteworthy cities that comedians have honed their craft in over the years include Toronto, Los Angeles and New York. If you’re looking to plan a comedy-themed destination trip, these locations are a must on your itinerary. Find out more by going to the Across the Map section, starting on Page 42, where you can also read about the sights and attractions of Mexico’s heartland along with Maui, the Hawaiian island hotspot that is coming back strong after the tragic wildfires in 2023.
 

At our airports, great retail concepts are being showcased by concessions operators like Azur, Avolta and Vantage Group. Check it all out on Page 26.  
 

The CDA has also recently received a number of awards from a leading airport industry trade group for concessions operations, as well as for workforce and business opportunities. These awards testify to the hard work and dedication of our airports’ employees, CDA staff and airport stakeholders in making our aviation system the best in the world. For more on these industrywide honors, go to Page 24. 
 

Speaking of great achievements, we’ve also got updates on the construction progress of The New Concourse D, the first major phase of ORDNext —  the City of Chicago’s $8.78 billion modernization project. See what’s in store with this future 19-gate facility by going to Page 24.
 

No matter the time of year, we at the CDA are never content to rest on our laurels and are committed year-round to providing travelers with the best passenger experience in the world. May your time with us be one of the best parts of your travels, and thank you for including us in your plans!
 

Sincerely,

Michael McMurray
Commissioner
Chicago Department of Aviation