The Chicago Department of Aviation closed Runway 22L at Midway International Airport to all arrivals and departures on Oct. 20 to repair a damaged safety system, the department said.
The department said the closure could cause flight delays and cancellations. Repairs are targeted for completion in mid-November.
The damaged system is the Engineered Materials Arresting System at the runway’s departure end. Recent aircraft activity, including jet blast, damaged it, according to the department, which made the decision in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration.
How much travelers feel the closure will depend on airline schedules and weather, the department said. Wind direction matters most because it determines how the airport’s four runways can be used for arrivals and departures.
“Safety is the top priority at Chicago’s airports, and we are working to complete these repairs safely and promptly,” CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray said.
McMurray said the department is working with the FAA and airlines to reduce disruptions and reopen the runway as quickly as it safely can.
The department advised travelers to check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport. Passengers whose flights are affected should work with their airline to rebook or change plans, according to the department. The department said it will keep travelers informed as repairs continue.