Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on May 8 the creation of “Midway Day,” an annual observance recognizing the date when Chicago first entered the era of aviation. The event marks May 8, 1926, when Chicago Municipal Airport—now known as Midway International Airport—opened and began connecting the city to national and global networks.
The designation aims to highlight Chicago’s long-standing role in transportation and commerce. In a symbolic act during the airport’s opening, four carrier pigeons were released with a message sent to Washington, D.C., signaling both an end to one form of airborne communication and the start of modern flight.
“Chicago has always been a city that moves people, goods, and ideas,” said Mayor Johnson. “On May 8, 1926, that spirit took to the skies at Chicago Municipal Airport, which we now know as Midway. ‘Midway Day’ gives us a chance each year to celebrate that defining moment and the generations of aviation workers who have kept Chicago connected to the world ever since.”
Michael J. McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), said: “Midway is where Chicago’s aviation story began. From that first symbolic message carried by pigeons to the global connectivity we deliver today, Midway has played a foundational role in shaping our city’s growth. As we look ahead to Midway’s centennial next year, this new observance gives us a meaningful way to connect our history to the future we’re building across Chicago’s airport system.”
The CDA oversees O’Hare and Midway International Airports, which drive significant economic activity in the region by supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and serving as key gateways for travelers and trade according to its official website. The department funds its operations without relying on local or state taxes while advancing economic growth through responsible management according to its official website.
“Nearly a century after that first moment of flight, Chicago remains one of the most connected cities in the world,” McMurray said. “We’re continuing that legacy through investments that will ensure our airports serve the next generation of travelers and communities.”
The City plans further celebrations for Midway’s centennial in 2027.
