Rockford's international gateway serving the greater Chicago region.
Opened
1946
Location
Rockford, Illinois, United States
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is a public airport located approximately 90 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, in Winnebago County, Illinois. It serves as an alternative to Chicago's busier O'Hare and Midway airports, offering a less congested travel experience for passengers in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin region.
The airport has a significant cargo and freight operation, serving as a major logistics hub for UPS and other freight carriers. Its large runway capacity and geographic positioning make it attractive for cargo traffic. On the passenger side, it has hosted various low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers over the years.
RFD also supports general aviation, military operations, and aircraft maintenance activities. The 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard is based at the airport, adding to its operational diversity.
Terminals
The airport has a single passenger terminal with a modest number of gates suited for low-volume commercial traffic.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services, though there is no direct rail link to downtown Chicago or Rockford.
Airlines here
Allegiant Air has been among the primary commercial carriers serving RFD, offering leisure routes to various destinations.
Notable facts
- ›RFD is one of the largest cargo airports in the Midwest by acreage.
- ›UPS operates a major sorting and distribution facility at the airport.
- ›The 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard is co-located at RFD.
- ›The airport has two runways, with the primary runway exceeding 10,000 feet in length.
- ›RFD is marketed as a convenient alternative to Chicago O'Hare and Midway for northern Illinois travelers.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
