Jazmin Li
Chicago, Illinois is served by two major airports: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is the primary international airport serving Chicago, located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe. Midway International Airport, on the other hand, is located closer to the city centre, just 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the Chicago Loop. Both airports are administered by the Chicago Department of Aviation and together, they generate more than $45 billion in annual economic activity for the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport in Chicago, Illinois | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Other names | O'Hare, Chicago Municipal Airport, Orchard Place |
| Location | Northwest Side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district |
| Operator | Chicago Department of Aviation |
| Area covered | 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) |
| Number of destinations | Non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world |
| Ranking | 5th most connected airport in the world, 4th busiest airport, 16th largest airport |
| Transport to the airport | Airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", taxis, Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) |
| Airlines | Hub for American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines |
| History | Began as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II |
| Previous name | Chicago Midway International Airport (until 1944) |
| Location of Chicago Midway International Airport | Southwest side of Chicago, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the Loop business district |
| Ranking of Chicago Midway International Airport | 2nd busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area and Illinois |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport first began as an airfield serving a Douglas manufacturing plant for C-54 military transports during World War II. The site was originally known as Orchard Place, a small German-American farming community. The plant covered 2 million square feet (190,000 m2) and was located in the northeast corner of what is now the airport. It built 655 C-54s, more than half of all those produced, and the airfield, known as Douglas Airport, initially had four 5,500-foot (1,700 m) runways. This was also the location of the Army Air Force's 803rd Specialized Depot, which stored captured enemy aircraft.
O'Hare became famous during the jet age, when it was the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. It remains one of the busiest airports in the world, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day. The airport is easily accessible by road, with the Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) going directly into the airport, and also by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis. O'Hare is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, and also serves as an operating base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
O'Hare was designed to be the successor to Chicago's Midway International Airport, which was once nicknamed the "busiest square mile in the world". The jet airliner was the biggest factor in airlines relocating from Midway to O'Hare, as the former did not have the space for the runways that 707s and DC-8s required. In July 1962, the last fixed-wing scheduled airline flight in Chicago moved from Midway to O'Hare, and by 1964, O'Hare had become the world's busiest airport, serving 10 million passengers annually.
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Chicago's busiest airport
Chicago, Illinois, is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport and one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide. O'Hare became famous during the jet age and held the distinction of being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Even 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, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport's efficient ground transportation network includes the Chicago "L", airport shuttle, bus, taxi, and direct access via Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway). O'Hare's history dates 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 home to a small German-American farming community.
Midway International Airport, Chicago's second-busiest airport, is located on the southwest side of the city, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the Loop business district. Established in 1927, Midway served as Chicago's primary airport until O'Hare International Airport opened in 1944. Midway is a significant airport in its own right, serving as a base for Southwest Airlines and handling over 22 million passengers in 2023. The airport covers just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) and has four active runways.
Both O'Hare and Midway International Airports have undergone significant development and expansion projects over the years to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in and out of Chicago. O'Hare faced increasing delays in the late 1980s due to its inefficient runway layout, prompting the Chicago Department of Aviation to commit to an O'Hare Modernization Plan (OMP) in 2001. Midway International Airport also underwent a major redevelopment project in the late 1990s, which included the construction of a new parking garage, a pedestrian bridge, and a new terminal building.
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O'Hare's history
O'Hare International Airport is located on the far northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, roughly 17 miles from the Loop, the city's downtown area. The airport is situated in an area that was once a collection of small suburban towns and villages, which have now been absorbed into the city of Chicago.
History of O'Hare International Airport
The history of O'Hare International Airport can be traced back to the 1940s when it was known as Orchard Place Airport. It was originally built as a manufacturing plant for Douglas Aircraft Company, but with the United States' entry into World War II, the facility was utilized for military aircraft production and served as a training base for the US Army Air Forces. After the war, the airport began to transition to civilian use, and in 1949, it was renamed O'Hare Airport after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient who grew up in Chicago.
During the 1950s, O'Hare Airport underwent significant expansion and development. The city of Chicago invested heavily in the airport, recognizing the potential for air travel to transform the city's economy. Runways were lengthened and a new terminal was constructed, allowing O'Hare to accommodate larger aircraft and more passengers. The airport also benefited from its strategic location, as it served as a convenient stopover point for cross-country flights, helping it to rapidly grow in importance as an aviation hub.
In 1955, O'Hare Airport was chosen as the site for a new air traffic control tower, which at the time was the tallest in the world. This further cemented the airport's status as a major aviation hub and contributed to its growing reputation. By 1958, O'Hare had become the busiest airport in the world in terms of the number of passengers served, a title it would hold for several decades.
The 1960s saw continued expansion and improvement at O'Hare International Airport. New runways were constructed, further enhancing the airport's capacity and ability to handle increasing air traffic. The construction of the massive Terminal 2, which opened in 1962, solidified O'Hare's position as a major international gateway. The terminal featured a unique design, incorporating a circular layout with a central rotunda, and could accommodate the new generation of jet aircraft.
In the following decades, O'Hare continued to evolve and adapt to the changing demands of air travel. The airport underwent numerous expansions and renovations, including the addition of new concourses and the modernization of existing facilities. In 1988, the airport's name was officially changed to O'Hare International Airport, reflecting its role as an important gateway to Chicago and the world. Today, O'Hare remains one of the busiest and most significant aviation hubs globally, serving millions of passengers each year and continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in aviation.
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Transport to O'Hare
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport is accessible by road, with Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) going directly into the airport.
There are several transport options for getting to and from O'Hare International Airport. Here are some of the most common methods:
Airport Shuttle
The airport operates a shuttle service that provides transportation to and from the airport. This is a convenient option, especially if you have luggage, as you can avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation or dealing with traffic.
Bus
Public buses also serve O'Hare International Airport. Taking the bus can be a cost-effective way to get to and from the airport, but it may involve multiple transfers and can be time-consuming, especially during peak hours or when construction is ongoing.
Chicago "L" (Blue Line)
The Chicago "L" is the city's rapid transit system, and the Blue Line serves O'Hare Airport. Taking the train can be a convenient and affordable option, but it's important to note that there may be track maintenance or construction delays, especially on weekends, which can extend travel time.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at O'Hare Airport and can take you directly to your destination. Taxis offer a more comfortable and flexible option but may be more expensive, especially during peak hours or when there is heavy traffic.
Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft)
Ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft are also popular choices for transportation to and from O'Hare Airport. These services can be convenient and may be more readily available than taxis, but they are subject to the same traffic conditions and may surge in price during high-demand periods.
When deciding on transportation to or from O'Hare International Airport, it's important to consider factors such as travel time, convenience, luggage, traffic conditions, and cost. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best one will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
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O'Hare's ranking
O'Hare International Airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois. It is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district.
O'Hare Airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The airport became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.
Even today, O'Hare remains one of the busiest airports in the world. According to the Airports Council International rankings, O'Hare had 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day—the most of any airport globally. This high number of aircraft movements is partly due to a large number of regional flights.
As of 2024, O'Hare is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport in the world. It 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.
However, O'Hare has also faced challenges with delays due to its inefficient runway layout. In the late 1980s, official reports ranked O'Hare as one of the worst-performing airports in the US based on the percentage of delayed flights. To address these issues, the Chicago Department of Aviation committed to the O'Hare Modernization Plan (OMP) in 2001, with an initial estimated cost of $6.6 billion.
In summary, O'Hare International Airport is a significant aviation hub, offering extensive connectivity and serving a large volume of passengers and flights. Its ranking as one of the busiest and most connected airports in the world highlights its importance in global aviation.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located approximately 17-18 miles from the city's Loop business district.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is considered the busiest airport in Chicago and was once the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.
Chicago Midway International Airport is the second busiest airport in Chicago and is located approximately 12 miles from the city's Loop business district.
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