A Brief History of Airlines Operating Out of Chicago Midway Airport in the Early 1950s

Chicago Midway International Airport, the smaller of Chicago's two main commercial airports, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. In the 1950s, Midway Airport was a bustling hub for numerous airlines, each playing a significant role in the development of commercial aviation. This article explores the major airlines that flew out of Midway during this period, providing a comprehensive look into the aviation landscape of the 1950s.

The Big Four Airlines

The period from the 1930s to the early 1960s saw the dominance of the so-called 'Big Four' airlines in the United States: American, United, Eastern, and TWA. These airlines were not only the largest in terms of route networks and passenger numbers but also had significant influence over the travel industry.

In 1953, these four giants of the aviation industry were the primary carriers out of Chicago Midway Airport. Each had its own unique route to the major cities in the United States and beyond. American Airlines, with its extensive network, offered flights connecting Chicago to major points on the East Coast and West Coast. United Airlines, known for its long-distance flights, had a strong presence in downtown Chicago, serving key markets from Midway.

Eastern Air Lines and Trans World Airlines (TWA) were also prominent in this era, offering a wide range of flights, from domestic to international routes. TWA was particularly noted for its North American flight network, offering direct flights to points in the United States and direct international flights to Canada.

Trunk Carriers

In addition to the Big Four, several trunk carriers were operating out of Chicago Midway Airport, providing essential services to smaller cities and regions. Delta Air Lines, which was still operating independently before merging with Northwest Airlines in the late 1980s, began expanding its operations in the 1950s. Delta Air Lines offered direct flights between Midway and several southern states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

Capital Airlines, initially a smaller carrier with a focus on intra-Southern routes, later became part of Delta. Another significant trunk carrier was Braniff Airways, renowned for its transcontinental flights and stylish branding, which also operated from Midway Airport. Braniff had a strong presence in the Southwest, and its flights were often considered the fastest and most luxurious of the era.

Local Service and Specialized Carriers

Besides the major and trunk carriers, there were several local service airlines operating out of Midway. Ozark Airlines, famous for its taildraggers, was one such carrier. Ozark's primary focus was on serving smaller cities in the midwest, including Kansas City and St. Louis. North Central Airlines, another local carrier, served a similar market, often competing with Ozark for the same routes.

Another local service airline, Lake Central Airlines, provided shorter-haul flights within the Chicago area, connecting smaller towns and more remote regions to the major hub at Midway. This local service was crucial for connecting smaller communities to the larger commercial hubs and for cross-country travel for those living in the Midwest.

North Star Flights to Toronto

A unique aspect of the Midway Airport during this era was the direct flights between Chicago and Toronto. Trans Canada Airlines, now known as Air Canada, operated three North Star flights per day to Toronto. These flights were a significant milestone, as they were the only direct international flights from the United States to Toronto at the time. The North Star service was a testament to the growing importance of air travel in the 1950s and the advancements in international air travel infrastructure.

Conclusion

Chicago Midway International Airport played a vital role in the aviation industry during the 1950s, serving as a crucial hub for numerous airlines. The major players included the Big Four, Delta, Capital, Braniff, Ozark, North Central, and Lake Central. These airlines, each with their own unique history and niche in the market, together formed a vibrant and competitive aviation landscape. The direct flights to Toronto via Trans Canada Airlines further emphasized the global impact of aviation during this period.

Understanding the aviation industry of the 1950s is essential for anyone interested in vintage aviation, airline history, or the growth of commercial air travel. Chicago Midway Airport, in particular, provides a rich case study in the evolution of the United States' aviation network.