Chicago Airports, Airlines Invest In Existing Facilities To Keep Up With Volume

<H1> Chicago Airports, Airlines Invest In Existing Facilities To Keep Up With Volume</H1>While Chicago will not see a third airport for the time being, that does not mean the existing airports will remain at the status quo. They continue to grow in traffic volume (see chart) and work continues to accommodate the increase.

"What we are really focused on now," said Lisa Howard, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Civil Aviation Authority, "is getting ready for the Democratic convention in August." The authority will be undertaking a variety of cosmetic changes to O'Hare, including landscaping. Extensive runway maintenance is also under way, according to Howard, who said, "the work is being done at night and will not affect travelers at all. The contractors have to finish each portion of work by 6 every morning."

At Midway Airport, a new terminal now in the design phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year, according to Howard.

The current terminal is too small, she said, and a larger facility will enhance efficiency. The airport has become popular with start-up and low-cost carriers.

The airlines that have fought to prevent a new Chicago airport are "all for spending money on existing airports," said Mary Frances Fagan, a spokeswoman for American Airlines.

Meanwhile, Midway is expected to absorb more takeoffs and landings when Meigs Field, which has handled over 50,000 general aviation takeoffs annually, shuts down later this year.