
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located on the city's Northwest Side, it is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe. The airport was renamed in 1949 to honour aviator Edward Butch O'Hare, the US Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | O'Hare International Airport |
| IATA Code | ORD |
| ICAO Code | KORD |
| FAA LID | ORD |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Area Covered | 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) |
| Destinations | 249 across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the North Atlantic region |
| Ranking (as of 2024) | 5th most connected airport in the world; 4th busiest airport; 16th largest airport |
| History | Successor to Midway International Airport; renamed from Orchard Field Airport in 1949 to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II |
| Design Features | Concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, underground refuelling systems |
| Terminal Features | Retail and dining options, redesigned TSA checkpoint |
| Transport Access | Airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", taxis |
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What You'll Learn
- O'Hare International Airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois
- ORD is the IATA code assigned to the airport, previously known as Orchard Field Airport
- The airport is named after Edward Butch O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient
- O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport globally
- The airport is accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, or taxi

O'Hare International Airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district, O'Hare is easily accessible by road, with shuttle services, buses, the Chicago "L", and taxis all providing transport to and from the airport.
O'Hare is a very busy airport, ranking as the world's fourth busiest airport and sixteenth largest airport as of 2024. It is also the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport in the world, with non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. In 2019, O'Hare had 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, the most of any airport in the world, partly due to a large number of regional flights.
The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare was the first major airport planned after World War II, and its innovative design included concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The airport was originally an airfield serving a Douglas manufacturing plant for C-54 military transports during World War II. After the war, the Douglas Company considered building airliners at the site but ultimately decided to focus civil production at its headquarters in Santa Monica, California.
The airport was renamed in 1949 to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. Its IATA code, ORD, was assigned when it was known as Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and remained unchanged after the name change. O'Hare's first international terminal opened in August 1958, and the airport has continued to expand and develop since then, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing its facilities and infrastructure.
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ORD is the IATA code assigned to the airport, previously known as Orchard Field Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, located on the city's northwest side. ORD is the IATA code assigned to the airport, previously known as Orchard Field Airport.
The airport was renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and was assigned the IATA code ORD. In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. The IATA code ORD remained unchanged, making O'Hare one of the few airports with an IATA code unrelated to its name or location.
O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and was the busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. In 2019, O'Hare recorded 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, the highest globally. As of 2024, O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide. It is also the world's fourth busiest airport and the 16th largest airport.
O'Hare Airport offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. The airport covers 7,627 acres and features innovative designs, including concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The world-class Terminal 5 boasts a $26 million transformation with a new retail and dining lineup, a redesigned TSA checkpoint, and a cutting-edge design.
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The airport is named after Edward Butch O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient
O'Hare International Airport, often referred to by its IATA code ORD, is one of the busiest airports in the world. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the airport is named after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a celebrated fighter pilot and war hero.
Edward "Butch" O'Hare became a naval aviator and joined the U.S. Navy as a fighter pilot during World War II. He quickly distinguished himself and became the U.S. Navy's first flying ace. On February 20, 1942, Lieutenant O'Hare single-handedly attacked a formation of Japanese bombers and escort fighters to protect the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. Despite being outnumbered, his courageous action resulted in the destruction of several enemy aircraft and the dispersal of the remaining attackers. For his extraordinary valor and skill, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first naval aviator to receive this prestigious award.
Butch O'Hare's bravery and skill as a fighter pilot made him a national hero. In 1949, Chicago's Orchard Depot Field, a former military airfield, was renamed O'Hare International Airport in his honor. The airport's code, ORD, is derived from the original name, Orchard Field. The renaming ceremony was attended by Butch's father, Edward J. O'Hare, who himself had an intriguing history, having worked as a lawyer for Al Capone before turning state's evidence and later being murdered, possibly as a result of his testimony against the gangster.
The airport has become a major global aviation hub and an important gateway to the city of Chicago. With its multiple runways and advanced infrastructure, O'Hare handles a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic, connecting Chicago to destinations worldwide. The airport has also expanded and evolved over the years to accommodate the growing demand for air travel, solidifying its place in the history of American aviation and honoring the memory of Edward "Butch" O'Hare with every takeoff and landing.
I hope that was helpful! Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know or discuss about ORD or Edward "Butch" O'Hare.
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O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport globally
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district, O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport globally. O'Hare has consistently ranked #1 on the OAG's Top 25 U.S. Domestic Airport Megahubs report since 2017, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when reports were not issued. The airport's ranking in the OAG Megahubs Index is based on the number of potential flight connections available to passengers, making it a critical hub for both domestic and international travellers. O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the North Atlantic region as of Summer 2024.
O'Hare International Airport was renamed in 1949 to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. Its IATA code (ORD) remained unchanged, making it one of the few IATA codes with no connection to the airport's name or metropolitan area. The airport was the world's busiest by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998 and still ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2019, O'Hare had 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, the most of any airport in the world.
O'Hare Airport has undergone several improvements and expansions over the years. The airport's first international terminal opened in 1958, and by 1959 it had expanded to 7,200 acres with new hangars, terminals, parking, and other facilities. More recently, O'Hare has been selected for a redesign by the Studio ORD group, led by architect Jeanne Gang, with a projected overall completion date of 2030. The project includes the construction of the O'Hare Global Terminal (OGT), which will reorganise the terminal core into an "alliance hub", optimising airside connections and layout around airline alliances.
O'Hare's strategic location, robust network, and extensive flight connections have solidified Chicago as a leading centre for global commerce and travel. The airport's accessibility by road, including direct highway access to the terminal, further enhances its connectivity. O'Hare is easily reachable via airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis. With its high volume of regional flights and strong domestic and international connections, O'Hare International Airport plays a pivotal role in facilitating travel and contributing to Chicago's status as a global city.
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The airport is accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, or taxi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, located on the city's northwest side. The airport is accessible by several transport options, including airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", and taxis.
The airport shuttle is a convenient option for travellers, offering a comfortable and direct journey to and from the airport. Several companies operate shuttle services, providing regular transfers between the airport and various locations in Chicago and the surrounding areas. These shuttles can be a cost-effective and stress-free choice for passengers, especially those with luggage or those travelling in groups.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus services also serve O'Hare International Airport. The CTA operates multiple bus routes that connect the airport to different parts of the city. These bus routes include the 250 Dempster Street route, the 330 Mannheim Road route, and the 454 Cicero-River Road route. These bus services provide passengers with an affordable and accessible means of travelling to and from the airport, connecting them to various neighbourhoods and transit hubs across Chicago.
The Chicago "L", short for Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' train system, is another option for travellers. The 'L' is Chicago's rapid transit system, providing fast and efficient transportation across the city. The Blue Line of the 'L' system directly serves O'Hare International Airport, with a station conveniently located within the airport complex. Passengers can use the Blue Line to travel between the airport and downtown Chicago, as well as other destinations along the line, making it a quick and convenient travel choice.
Additionally, taxi services are readily available at O'Hare International Airport. Travellers can easily hail a taxi at designated pickup areas outside the arrivals terminals. Taxis provide a direct and flexible travel option, allowing passengers to travel to their desired destinations without the need to transfer between different modes of transportation. Taxi services are ideal for those seeking a comfortable and private travel experience, and they can be especially convenient for groups or individuals with substantial luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
ORD is the IATA code for O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Illinois.
The airport was renamed in 1949 to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honour recipient in World War II.
The airport's address is 10000 Bessie Coleman Dr., Chicago, IL 60666.
The contact number for the airport is +1 (773) 686-2200.
O'Hare Airport can be accessed by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis.










































