
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The airport is approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
- O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA
- O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters
- The airport is one of the busiest in the world
- O'Hare is accessible by road, airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, and taxi
- The airport is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines

O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA
O'Hare International Airport has a rich history, initially serving as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. The area, known as Orchard Place, was once a small German-American farming community. The plant covered 2 million square feet and played a crucial role in aircraft production, with 655 C-54s built on-site. The adjacent airfield, then called Douglas Airport, featured four 5,500-foot runways.
Following the war, the facility transformed into a commercial airport, and the City of Chicago developed it into what is now known as O'Hare International Airport. The airport became renowned during the jet age, holding the title of the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Today, it remains one of the busiest airports globally, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day.
O'Hare International Airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines, the latter of which has its headquarters in Willis Tower. It also serves as an operating base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The airport offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across multiple continents, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. As of 2024, O'Hare is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide.
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O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters
O'Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is named after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.
Before it became an airport, O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. The site was known as Orchard Place, home to a small German-American farming community. The 2 million square feet (190,000 m2) plant was strategically located in the northeast corner of what is now the airport, providing easy access to the workforce of Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time. The location was also chosen for its proximity to railroads and its distance from enemy threats.
During its time as a manufacturing plant, 655 C-54s were built, accounting for more than half of the total production of these aircraft. The C-54 Skymaster, a four-engined transport aircraft, played a crucial role during World War II and the Korean War. It was used for various purposes, including cargo transport, carrying presidents and prime ministers, and conducting scientific and military research.
The airfield associated with the plant was known as Douglas Airport, and it initially had four 5,500-foot (1,700 m) runways. This airfield, now expanded and modernized, forms the basis of today's O'Hare International Airport. The airport has gone through significant changes and expansions over the years, including the addition of concourses, direct highway access, jet bridges, and underground refueling systems.
O'Hare's history as a manufacturing plant and airfield contributed to its future success as a bustling international airport, serving millions of passengers each year and ranking as one of the busiest airports globally.
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The airport is one of the busiest in the world
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking fourth globally in 2022 according to preliminary global air traffic figures. It is the second busiest airport in the world for aircraft operations, with 919,704 flights in 2024, a number that is expected to grow in 2025. In terms of passengers, O'Hare ranked eighth in the world in 2025, accommodating more than 80 million people, an 8.3% increase from 2023.
O'Hare Airport has a long history, dating back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The site was originally known as Orchard Place and was once a small German-American farming community. The airport became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction of being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. O'Hare has direct flights to 249 destinations worldwide and is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected globally as of 2024.
The airport's efficient ground transportation network includes the Chicago "L", airport shuttle, bus, and taxi services. Additionally, Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) provides direct access to the airport. O'Hare is a significant hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The competition between American and United at O'Hare has led to expanded offerings, with American operating up to 480 flights daily during the summer and United offering nearly 600 flights.
O'Hare's high ranking as one of the busiest airports in the world is due to several factors. Firstly, the airport serves the second-largest city in the United States, Chicago, and offers a large number of regional flights. Secondly, O'Hare has a convenient location with easy access to a significant workforce and railroads, making it an attractive option for airlines and passengers alike. Finally, the airport's efficient operations and modern infrastructure, enhanced by the O'Hare Modernization Plan, contribute to its ability to handle a high volume of flights and passengers.
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O'Hare is accessible by road, airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, and taxi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD) is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The airport is about 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district, which is at the heart of Chicago's central business district.
O'Hare is easily accessible by several means of transportation. For those travelling by car, the airport is connected to the Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway), which goes directly into the airport. This makes it convenient for those driving to the airport or opting for a taxi.
Public transportation options are also available for travellers. The Chicago "L" (short for "elevated"), is a rapid transit system that serves the airport. It is a convenient and affordable option for travellers to get to and from the airport. Additionally, bus services connect the airport to various locations in Chicago. These buses arrive and depart from the airport regularly, providing a reliable option for travellers.
Another option for travellers is the airport shuttle. These shuttles often serve specific routes, making stops at popular destinations such as hotels or other transportation hubs. They provide a comfortable and efficient means of transportation for travellers, especially those with luggage.
O'Hare International Airport is a significant aviation hub, serving as a base for several major airlines. It offers non-stop flights to numerous destinations worldwide and is known for its high volume of regional flights. The airport's accessibility by various means of transportation ensures that travellers can conveniently reach their desired destinations.
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The airport is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines
O'Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a major hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines. The airport is one of the busiest in the world, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day—a distinction it has held since the 1960s. O'Hare covers 7,627 acres and is located approximately 17 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop business district.
The airport's history dates back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. Known then as Orchard Place, the site was previously a small German-American farming community. The plant, covering 2 million square feet, was responsible for producing over half of the C-54s built during the war. The adjacent airfield was called Douglas Airport and featured four 5,500-foot runways.
In the post-war years, O'Hare began its transformation into a civilian airport, eventually becoming Chicago's primary international airport. The jet age played a pivotal role in O'Hare's rise, as the larger jet airliners required longer runways than those at Midway Airport, Chicago's previous primary airport. The first scheduled jet at O'Hare was an American Airlines 707 flying from New York to San Francisco via Chicago in March 1959. This marked the beginning of O'Hare's dominance, with airlines relocating their operations from Midway to accommodate the new jet aircraft.
American Airlines and United Airlines established dominant hubs at O'Hare in the 1980s, which continue to operate today. The presence of these hubs has contributed significantly to O'Hare's status as one of the world's busiest airports. The airlines offer numerous non-stop domestic and international flights, catering to a large volume of passengers. The O'Hare Global Terminal (OGT) and two new satellite concourses are planned to accommodate the expansion of both American's and United's international operations and facilitate connections with their respective partner carriers.
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Frequently asked questions
O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The United Club in Des Plaines, IL, offers a comfortable and welcoming environment for individuals to socialise. The Chicago "L" also goes directly to the airport, so it is easy to get into the city and explore.
The site of O'Hare airport was originally known as Orchard Place and was a small German-American farming community. During World War II, the area was used as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The airfield, known as Douglas Airport, initially had four 5,500-foot runways. After the war, the facility became a commercial airport and was developed into O'Hare International Airport by the City of Chicago.









































