The Cautionary Tale of the Destruction of Meigs Field

It's been more than two decades since then-Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley ordered large X’s carved into the runway, rendering it unusable.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, April 01, 2024 at 02:48 PM ET

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Meigs Field was the best way to fly into Chicago for GA pilots—before it was destroyed in March 2003. [Credit: Friends of Meigs Field]

Key Takeaways:

Merrill C. Meigs Field in Chicago was abruptly and without warning destroyed on March 31, 2003, when Mayor Richard M. Daley ordered its runway dug up overnight, trapping aircraft and surprising staff, despite federal regulations and prior agreements.
Daley's actions, justified by disputed safety concerns and a desire to avoid litigation, drew widespread condemnation from the aviation community and resulted in a fine for the city of Chicago for violating FAA requirements.
The incident led to the "Meigs Legacy Provision," which significantly increased penalties for illegal airport closures, and transformed Meigs Field into a cautionary tale and rallying cry for airports threatened with closure worldwide.

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Where were you on March 31, 2003, when the aviation world woke up to the news that Merrill C. Meigs Field in Chicago had been destroyed?

I was at Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, working as an aviation reporter. Early that morning I started getting voicemails and emails telling me about the large X’s carved into the runway, rendering it unusable and trapping a handful of aircraft based there.