Midway International Airport will provide a lounge to clients for the first time in the airport’s 95-year history beginning in 2024, according to Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).
“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,” stated 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.”
The Club MDW, located in the airport’s Central Market at the intersection of Concourses A and B, will be open to all passengers, regardless of airline or class of service. All Club MDW guests will receive complimentary food and beverages in an engaging, peaceful setting.
“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 CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “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.”
Priority Pass, the world’s biggest airport lounge membership program, will provide access to Club MDW. Any Midway passenger with a boarding pass can also purchase a day pass for $50. The Club MDW will open in the fall of 2024, with construction starting early next year.
The 3,300-square-foot club, designed in conjunction with Midway Partnership, which is redeveloping and managing the airport’s commercial program in collaboration with the CDA, will draw influence from Chicago’s rich architectural history, with high-contrast, monochromatic tones. While the traditional basic geometry provides an attractive backdrop for the design, a variety of materials, including metallic accents and soft upholstery, give a warm and comfortable guest experience.
“We are thrilled to open Midway’s first airport lounge.” “The Club MDW is the most recent example of Midway Partnership and the Chicago Department of Aviation working together to prioritize the guest experience and satisfaction of Midway’s passengers,” said Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership.
The statement today comes at a time when travel at Midway is already exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Passenger counts at the airport are 106% of what they were in 2019.
“In the ever-changing world of travel, we are overjoyed to be a part of this new chapter in the 95-year history of Midway International Airport.” Airport Dimensions is devoted to creating new industry standards via innovation, customized experiences, and excellent hospitality as a new generation of passengers redefines how they spend their time in airports. The Club MDW, which has been particularly built to showcase Chicago’s eclectic architectural history, will provide Midway passengers with a real sense of the city. We are thrilled to help Midway Partnership and the CDA achieve their goal of improving the guest experience.”
The CDA will open several new food and beverage locations for passengers through the airport’s Midway Modernization Program and in collaboration with Midway Partnership through the end of this year, including beloved local brands like Connie’s Pizza, Garrett Popcorn Shop, M Burger, and Reilly’s Daughter. Mdwmod.com has further information about the Midway Modernization Program.
