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Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) is a public general aviation reliever airport about 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, located in Wheeling and Prospect Heights, Illinois. Formerly Palwaukee Municipal Airport, it was renamed in 2006 and now supports corporate, charter, private, and flight-training aircraft with three runways and a control tower. It has no scheduled commercial airline service.
💡 Local Tip
Confirm your FBO and entrance before arrival—PWK has separate terminal and ramp access points, and the airport is small enough that going to the wrong gate can add a 10-minute loop. Frequent visitors often ask their FBO about after-hours access and ramp fees in advance.
🚖 Getting There
PWK has no direct CTA or Metra rail service; most travelers arrive by taxi, rideshare, rental car, or an FBO-arranged shuttle. By road, access is via I-294 and Palatine Road or Willow Road, with downtown Chicago about 20 miles southeast. Pace buses serve nearby Milwaukee Avenue and Palatine Road, but you'll usually need a short taxi or rideshare connection to reach the terminal or FBO.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Chicago Executive Airport the same as Chicago O'Hare?
A: No. PWK is a general aviation reliever airport; commercial airline flights use O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW).
Q: Does PWK have commercial airline service?
A: No. Chicago Executive Airport has no scheduled airlines; it serves private, corporate, charter, and flight-training traffic.
Q: What was Chicago Executive Airport formerly called?
A: It was formerly Palwaukee Municipal Airport and was renamed Chicago Executive Airport in 2006.
Q: How far is PWK from downtown Chicago?
A: It is roughly 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, typically a 30- to 60-minute drive depending on traffic.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash