Runway at Midway Airport temporarily closed for safety repairs, CDA says
A runway at Midway International Airport has been temporarily closed for safety repairs, the Chicago Department of Aviation announced this week.
Runway 22L is now closed to arrivals and departures for repairs to a runway safety system that helps stop airplanes from going off the runway.
According to the department, the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at the departure end of the runway was damaged by recent aircraft activity, including jet blast.
The safety system on which crews must make repairs was installed after an accident in 2005, which claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy named Joshua Woods. A jetliner, Southwest Airlines Flight 1248, was trying to land in heavy snow when it slid off the runway and onto a busy street.
"Safety is the top priority at Chicago's airports, and we are working to complete these repairs safely and promptly," said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. "We're coordinating closely with our partners at the FAA and the airlines to reduce disruptions for travelers and return the airfield to normal operating conditions as quickly and safely as possible."
Transportation expert Joe Schwieterman with DePaul University said no other airport in the U.S. relies on the system more than Midway. He added that, with Midway being located in a densely populated area, it elevates the importance of a working EMAS.
"You have the relatively short runway, high-intensity flight operations, residential neighborhoods right next to the airport so having that crumbling surface that can bring an airplane to a stop ... really important," he said.
The CDA says the closure could cause flight delays and cancellations, with the extent varying based on airline schedules and weather conditions — particularly wind directions.
CBS News Chicago Travel Editor Peter Greenberg says it's not going to be possible delays, but probable delays.
"Unless the airlines voluntarily and proactively change their schedules, you better build an hour to an hour and a half delay on every flight and that's being mild," he said.
Travelers are being advised to continue monitoring their flight status and check with their airline before heading to the airport. Those impacted should work directly with their air carrier about rebooking or other changes.
"You throw in some bad weather, the heavy traffic of Thanksgiving, where flight activity picks up and you are going to have some pain points there. Let's hope it's manageable. It's pretty unclear now just how this is going to play out," Schwieterman said.
The department said it will coordinate closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines operating at Midway to minimize operational impacts whenever possible and keep partners informed throughout the repair process.
The repairs are expected to be complete by mid-November.
