The American Midwest, a region celebrated for its sprawling landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, is served by a network of airports connecting it to the rest of the nation and the world. These airports range from bustling international hubs to smaller, more convenient regional options. This guide explores thirteen of the most significant mid-to-large-sized international and domestic airports in the Midwest, offering insights into their unique characteristics, services, and connectivity. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip to the heartland, this A Guide to Airports in the American Midwest will help you navigate the region’s aviation landscape.
Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
A pioneer in American aviation, Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE) holds the distinction of being the first municipal airport in the United States. Established in 1925, it initially served as a crucial stop for U.S. Air Mail planes traversing the country. Today, CLE stands as Ohio’s busiest commercial airport, welcoming an average of 10 million passengers annually.
Though not a hub for any major airline, Cleveland-Hopkins serves as a focus city for Frontier Airlines, offering a range of domestic destinations. Its international reach extends to Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, providing nonstop routes to popular vacation destinations.
Beyond its functional aspects, CLE offers a touch of whimsy. The underground walkway connecting Concourses C and D features captivating giant paper airplane sculptures, providing a unique and memorable experience for travelers passing through. This art installation adds a touch of levity to the often-mundane airport experience.
Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)
Situated approximately 50 miles south of Cleveland, Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) presents itself as a compelling alternative to its larger neighbor, Cleveland-Hopkins. CAK distinguishes itself by offering a lower-cost and more convenient travel experience.
Travelers utilizing CAK can access global destinations by connecting through hubs for major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Spirit Airlines also operates routes to various destinations in Florida from CAK, catering to leisure travelers seeking sunshine.
The smaller scale of Akron-Canton Airport translates to a less crowded and more manageable travel experience. In 2019, the airport served just under 900,000 passengers, a fraction of the volume handled by Cleveland-Hopkins. This reduced congestion can lead to shorter security lines, easier navigation, and a generally more relaxed atmosphere.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a global aviation powerhouse and a critical gateway to the Midwest. Consistently ranked among the world’s busiest airports in terms of flight operations, O’Hare facilitated over 900,000 flights in 2018, serving more than 83 million passengers.
O’Hare serves as a major hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines, solidifying its position as a vital connecting point for domestic and international travel. Furthermore, it acts as a focus city for Frontier and Spirit airlines, further expanding the range of available destinations and fare options.
The sheer scale of O’Hare is remarkable, with nearly 50 airlines operating flights to almost 200 nonstop destinations across the globe. From bustling European capitals to exotic Asian metropolises, O’Hare offers unparalleled connectivity to destinations both near and far. For Midwest travelers seeking international adventures, O’Hare is often the starting point.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) serves as the city’s second major airport, offering a more compact and accessible alternative to the sprawling O’Hare. Midway distinguishes itself as a focus city for Southwest Airlines, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
In addition to Southwest, Midway is served by Delta, Porter, Allegiant, and Volaris, providing a diverse range of flight options. The airport offers nonstop flights to 62 destinations across the United States and 8 international destinations, primarily in Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Midway’s smaller size translates to a more streamlined and efficient travel experience. Its location closer to downtown Chicago also makes it a convenient option for travelers heading to or from the city center. For those prioritizing convenience and value, Midway presents a compelling alternative to O’Hare.
Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) provides convenient air service to the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. CVG offers nonstop service to dozens of cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
The airport serves as a focus city for Delta, Allegiant, and Frontier, offering a variety of flight options and fare levels. Budget-conscious travelers often find attractive airfare deals on Allegiant and Frontier, as these airlines specialize in low-cost travel.
In 2018, CVG welcomed 8.9 million passengers, solidifying its position as a significant regional airport. Interestingly, CVG has also emerged as one of America’s fastest-growing cargo hubs, serving as a crucial hub for Amazon Air and DHL Aviation, highlighting its importance in the global logistics network.
Dayton International Airport (DAY)
Dayton International Airport (DAY) adopts the tagline "Easy To and Through" to emphasize its commitment to providing a stress-free and convenient travel experience. DAY positions itself as a less-crowded alternative to larger airports in nearby cities such as Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis.
The airport touts its strategic location near the "Crossroads of America," offering easy access to Interstates 70 and 75, making it a convenient choice for travelers throughout the region. DAY is served by Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Airlines, providing a range of domestic flight options.
For travelers seeking a hassle-free airport experience, Dayton International Airport offers a compelling alternative to the congestion and delays often associated with larger hubs.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) serves the capital city of Ohio and the surrounding region. CMH offers flights to more than 40 airports across the United States, as well as international service to Toronto, Cancun, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
The airport handles more than seven million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest facilities in the region. Formerly known as Port Columbus, the airport was renamed in early 2016 to honor John Glenn, the legendary astronaut and four-term U.S. senator, adding a touch of historical significance to the travel experience.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a major aviation hub in the Midwest, serving as a vital gateway to the region and beyond. In 2019, DTW served over 36 million passengers, solidifying its position as one of the busiest airports in the United States.
DTW serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which utilizes the airport as a key connecting point for flights to Asia and Europe. The airport also serves as a focus city for Spirit Airlines, offering numerous domestic routes at typically affordable rates.
Beyond its functional aspects, DTW offers a variety of amenities and attractions for travelers to enjoy. Passengers can browse a plethora of dining, shopping, and arts experiences, including the famous Light Tunnel, a captivating display of light and music that connects the concourses.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) provides convenient air service to the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area and beyond. In 2018, MKE served more than seven million passengers, offering nonstop flights to approximately 30 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean via seven major carriers.
Named after U.S. Army Air Service General William (Billy) Mitchell, a Milwaukee native known as the father of the American Air Force, the airport pays homage to its namesake with several large displays of old military aircraft in its main halls and concourses.
Many residents of Chicago utilize General Mitchell Airport as an alternative to O’Hare and Midway, citing its ease of travel, faster processing times, and less stressful overall experience.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) serves the capital city of Indiana and the surrounding region. In 2018, IND served 9.4 million passengers, connecting them to 50 nonstop destinations on 10 major airlines. The airport also serves as a hub for Allegiant Air, offering a range of budget-friendly flight options.
In 2008, the Colonel Harvey Weir Cook Terminal, a new passenger terminal costing over $1 billion to build, opened to accommodate the increasing demand for passenger transport. This modern terminal has facilitated the processing of international flights and customs, enhancing the airport’s capabilities.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) provides air service to the Kansas City metropolitan area and the surrounding region. In 2019, more than 11 million people flew through Kansas City International Airport on flights operated by 12 airlines to over 50 nonstop destinations.
While its international routes are somewhat limited, MCI does offer service to Canada and Mexico, catering to travelers seeking cross-border destinations. This A Guide to Airports in the American Midwest is very comprehensive.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) serves the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and is the busiest airport in the state of Missouri. In 2019, STL served nearly 15.9 million passengers, making it a significant transportation hub in the region.
The airport offers nonstop flights to cities across America, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, catering to a diverse range of travel needs. STL serves as a focus city for Southwest Airlines, often providing affordable flight options for budget-conscious travelers.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a major aviation hub in the Upper Midwest. MSP was the hometown hub of Northwest Airlines before its merger with Delta in 2008, and Delta now utilizes it as a major hub.
The airport is served by a total of 18 airlines that handled 38 million passengers in 2018. Routes from MSP include long-haul flights to Asia and Europe, as well as numerous domestic destinations, solidifying its position as a key international gateway.
This A Guide to Airports in the American Midwest provides a comprehensive overview of the major airports in the region, offering valuable insights for travelers seeking to navigate the heartland’s aviation landscape. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, understanding the unique characteristics and services of each airport can help you plan a smoother and more enjoyable journey. This A Guide to Airports in the American Midwest can help you choose which airport you want to fly through. This A Guide to Airports in the American Midwest also goes into destinations that each airport goes to.
