Soaring Ahead
From its humble beginnings in 1926 on a grassy field near Wheeling, the Chicago Executive Airport has grown into a leading general aviation airport serving the metropolitan Chicago area and is now the 4th busiest in Illinois.
The privately owned airport grew significantly over the decades, changing to public ownership in 1986 when the Village of Wheeling and the City of Prospect Heights jointly purchased the facility. The name changed from Palwaukee to Chicago Executive Airport in 2006 to better reflect its standing in the region’s air traffic system.
 Aviation Excellence
Today, Chicago Executive Airport operates 24/7 year-round and is home to hundreds of aircraft, including dozens of corporate jet aircraft. Its strategic location just north of Chicago and adjacent to key transportation arteries makes it an ideal gateway for those seeking direct access to downtown Chicago or the surrounding suburbs without the congestion associated with larger airports.
The Village of Wheeling continues to play an active role in the airport’s development and economic growth. The airport is governed by an advisory board made up of representatives from both Wheeling and Prospect Heights.
In 2026 the airport is celebrating its 100th anniversary. For more information on the history of the airport and how it continues to serve the region, a special documentary has been produced.
Hawthorne Hangar 22 - Coming Soon!
Major Projects – Completed and Ongoing: (according to CEA)
Construction Projects
Airfield Lighting Project Phase 1 = $2.5M
East Quad Ramp Expansion Project (State) = $1.04M
Tie Down Relocation = $2.4M
Residential Sound Insulation Program = $2.6M
Northwest Quadrant Road Rehab (state) = $180k
Hawthorne Hangar 22 on Tower Road
Other Projects
Exhibit A Property Inventory = $167k
Environmental Assessment = $167k
Master Drainage Study = $450k
Noise Exposure Map Update = $411k
Hangar Rent Study
Centennial Anniversary