Chicago Midway · MDW · Question
Is MDW a Hub Airport? Which Airlines Hub Here?
Expert answer updated for 2026, with official sources and links to detailed guides.
Yes — Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a hub airport for Southwest Airlines. As a hub, MDW handles massive connecting traffic with hundreds of daily departures to destinations worldwide.
What It Means to Be a Hub Airport
Hub airports serve as central connecting points for their airline. Southwest Airlines routes many flights through MDW, allowing passengers to connect between smaller cities via the hub. This means:
- More flights — hub airlines offer the most departures and destinations from MDW
- Dedicated terminals — hub airlines typically occupy the largest terminal space with the most gates
- Better lounges — hub airports have premium lounges for their hub airline's elite members
- More upgrade opportunities — higher frequency means more seats and more chances for upgrades
Read our full Southwest Airlines guide to learn about hubs, baggage, and their loyalty program.
Browse all U.S. airports and their hub status in our airport directory. Explore airline hubs in our airline directory.