Chicago-area secondary airports expand air cargo capabilities

Secondary airports in the Chicago region are expanding their roles as critical logistics hubs to support North American supply chains. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is positioning itself as a high-efficiency alternative to larger hubs like O’Hare, focusing on rapid aircraft turnaround and specialized handling for time-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Simultaneously, Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) has completed the first phase of its US$ 24 million Cargo Campus. The 55-acre facility includes a logistics apron with eight wide-body parking positions and was funded through a combination of state, federal, and regional resources. UPS remains a major tenant at the Gary facility. These developments reflect a broader industry shift toward diversifying cargo routing and utilizing secondary airports to reduce congestion and operational costs in major metropolitan areas.