Chicago Executive Airport Named Illinois' Reliever Airport Of The Year

WHEELING, IL — Chicago Executive Airport has been named Illinois’ Reliever Airport of the Year, earning state recognition for its role in keeping flights moving safely through the busy airspace around O'Hare and Midway international airports.

The Illinois Department of Transportation presented the honor Monday at the Illinois Public Airports Association's fall conference in Galena. Chicago Executive was one of six facilities recognized for their commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

The airport, jointly owned by the Village of Wheeling and City of Prospect Heights, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

"We know our place in the Chicago airspace, and it's a very important one. We're glad the state agrees, and we are truly honored by this award," airport Executive Director Jeff Miller said in a news release.

"There's a whole team of airport staff, FAA controllers and aviation organizations that work together to make Chicago Executive an important hub in the region. This is a great way to further celebrate our 100th anniversary."

A Role In Chicago’s Airspace

One of the state's largest general aviation airports, Chicago Executive was honored for its continued safe and efficient operations around O'Hare and Midway, according to the airport's announcement.

Reliever airports help reduce congestion at commercial service airports while providing communities with greater access to general aviation, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Chicago Executive's role helps commercial and general aviation flights operate alongside one another in the region's airspace.

IDOT said its award recipients were selected based on their accomplishments, partnerships with the department and commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.

Economic And Community Impact

The airport reported nearly 2,500 jobs on and around the airfield and $486 million in economic output.

"As important as our economic impact is knowing we are woven into the fabric of our local communities," Miller said. "Chicago Executive is not just a transportation hub, we're a neighbor. And we take that seriously."

The recognition comes as the airport prepares for additional development. Earlier this month, Sky Harbour Group and airport officials broke ground on a 16-acre private aviation campus expected to open in early 2028 with four private hangars for business aircraft.

RELATED: $550M Aviation Campus Breaks Ground At Chicago Executive Airport

More information about the airport is available at chiexec.com.