Chicago Rockford International Airport (KRFD)
Medium airport · Chicago/Rockford, Illinois, United States
Airport data
| Name | Chicago Rockford International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | KRFD |
| IATA | RFD |
| Elevation | 742 ft (226 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 42°11'43" W 89°5'50" 42.19540, -89.09720 |
| Location | Chicago/Rockford, Illinois, United States |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 8,200 ft (2499 m) | 150 ft | ASP | Yes |
| 07/25 | 10,002 ft (3049 m) | 150 ft | PEM | Yes |
Chicago Rockford International Airport at a glance
Chicago Rockford International Airport is a medium airport in Chicago/Rockford, Illinois, United States, known to airline systems as RFD. The field elevation of 742 ft (226 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at KRFD are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
Of its 2 runways, the longest — 07/25 — offers 10,002 ft (3049 m) of pem surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 07 points roughly 70° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for KRFD shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Chicago Rockford International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Dupage Airport | KDPA | 77 km (42 NM) |
| Chicago Executive Airport | KPWK | 99 km (53 NM) |
| Chicago O'Hare International Airport | KORD | 101 km (55 NM) |
| Kenosha Regional Airport | KENW | 106 km (57 NM) |
| Dane County Regional Truax Field | KMSN | 107 km (58 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Chicago Rockford International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 742 ft field elevation of Chicago Rockford International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 917 airports and airfields we list for United States — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Chicago Rockford International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Chicago Rockford International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Chicago Rockford International Airport is KRFD, and its IATA code is RFD. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Chicago Rockford International Airport above sea level?
Chicago Rockford International Airport sits at an elevation of 742 feet (226 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Chicago Rockford International Airport located?
The airport lies at 42.1954, -89.0972 — in Chicago/Rockford, Illinois, United States, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Dupage Airport, about 77 km away.
Does KRFD publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for KRFD appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Chicago Rockford International Airport?
Chicago Rockford International Airport has 2 runways. The longest, 07/25, measures 10,002 ft (3049 m) with a PEM surface.