DuPage Airport prepared to handle extra business during NATO summit in Chicago
FROM STAFF REPORTS May 19, 2012 8:02PM
Updated: June 29, 2012 8:59AM
WEST CHICAGO — Officials at DuPage Airport say a runway long enough to handle commercial airliners and a 24-hour control tower put them in good shape to handle increased business during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s conference in Chicago that began this weekend.
“With our 24-hour FAA air control tower and on-site U.S. customs service, as well as our state-of-the-art security, DuPage Airport is ideally suited to relocate traffic that is impacted by the NATO conference,” said DuPage Executive Director David Bird. “We have a one-stop shop concierge service and 24-hour emergency response capability with personnel from the West Chicago Fire Protection District trained in aircraft responses.”
The airport, along Route 64 just east of St. Charles, is home to many major corporate flight departments and government operations. It has four active runways, a 1 million-square-foot apron and two Instrument Landing System approaches.
Bird said the longest runway spans 7,570 feet and is even bigger than any runway at Midway Airport. He said it is the second-longest runway in the Chicago area, after one at O’Hare Airport. He said that aside from O’Hare and Midway, DuPage also is the only facility in the region with a 24-hour control tower and is equipped with a 24/7 airfield rescue and firefighting vehicle.
He said DuPage has more than 96,000 square feet of hangar space with availability for air traffic affected by the temporary flight restrictions that will cover much of the Chicago skyline during the conference. Air traffic around Midway Airport, for instance, will be significantly affected by the restrictions, and traffic is expected to increase at O’Hare.
The DuPage Flight Center offers a full array of professional services and amenities, including an on-site restaurant and catering, and concierge support for more than 60 nearby dining, hotel, theater and shopping options.
More information is available at www.dupageairport.com or the Flight Center Concierge at 630-208-5600.
