
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois. ORD is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2). O'Hare International Airport was the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998 and is still ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | O'Hare International Airport |
| IATA Code | ORD |
| ICAO Code | KORD |
| FAA LID | ORD |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Operator | Chicago Department of Aviation |
| 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 |
| Awards | Global Traveller Award for the Best Airport in North America (2012) |
| Terminals | 5 |
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What You'll Learn

O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA
O'Hare International Airport, with the airport codes ORD, KORD, and FAA LID: ORD, is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It is situated on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2). O'Hare International Airport has a rich history, initially serving as an airfield for a Douglas manufacturing plant during World War II. It was renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and was assigned the IATA code ORD. In 1949, the airport was renamed after aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first US Navy Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.
O'Hare has played a significant role in aviation, pioneering innovative designs such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminals, jet bridges, and underground refueling systems. The airport has a high reputation, winning the Global Traveller Award for Best Airport in North America for 13 consecutive years as of 2012. It is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide as of 2024. O'Hare 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 is known for its buzzing atmosphere and is easily accessible via airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis. O'Hare has also invested in improvements, with Terminal 5 undergoing a $26 million transformation that included a new retail and dining lineup, a redesigned TSA checkpoint, and cutting-edge design. The terminal showcases Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods, flavors, shops, art, and architecture.
O'Hare International Airport has experienced challenges, including weather-related delays and confusing terminal layouts, according to traveller reviews. However, it remains a significant hub for business and financial activities, contributing to Chicago's reputation as a leading global city. The airport is currently undergoing a significant expansion, with the O'Hare 21 project scheduled for completion in 2030, further enhancing its capacity and connectivity.
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ORD is the IATA airport code for O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport was renamed from Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and was assigned the IATA code ORD. The airport was then renamed after aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first Medal of Honor recipient in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As the first major airport planned after World War II, O'Hare's design introduced innovative concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems.
O'Hare is known for its buzzing atmosphere, history, and entertainment. The airport has won several awards, including the Global Traveller Award for Best Airport in North America for 13 consecutive years, from 2000 to 2012. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide, making it the most connected airport in the U.S. and the fifth most connected airport globally as of 2024.
The airport is recognised as one of the busiest airports in the world, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day. O'Hare has a reputation for frequent weather-related delays, and its terminals have been described as confusing to navigate. However, it boasts a wide range of dining and retail options, including a recently revamped Terminal 5, which cost $26 million.
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O'Hare is the 4th busiest airport in the world
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the fourth busiest airport in the world. It is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. Covering 7,627 acres, O'Hare is the primary international airport serving Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport is well-connected, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. As of 2024, it is the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide.
The airport's history dates back to World War II, when it served as an airfield for a Douglas manufacturing plant producing C-54 military transports. In the mid-1940s, it was renamed Orchard Field Airport and was assigned the IATA code ORD. In 1949, the airport was renamed after aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first US Navy Medal of Honor recipient during that war.
O'Hare International Airport has been renowned for its innovative design, introducing concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The airport's design has continued to evolve, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing its infrastructure.
O'Hare's status as one of the world's busiest airports is evident in its aircraft movements. In 2019, the airport recorded 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, the highest globally. This high volume of movements is attributed in part to a large number of regional flights.
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O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. ORD is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2).
O'Hare has a rich history, initially serving as an airfield for a Douglas manufacturing plant during World War II. It was renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and was assigned the IATA code ORD. In 1949, it was renamed after aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first US Navy Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. O'Hare became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.
The airport has undergone various improvements and expansions over the years. O'Hare pioneered innovative design concepts, including concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The airport continues to be a major hub for aviation, with American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines operating from it. O'Hare's accessibility is enhanced by road access through airport shuttles, buses, the Chicago "L", and taxis, providing convenient connections to the airport.
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O'Hare International Airport was renamed after Edward Butch O'Hare
O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois. ORD was originally known as Orchard Field Airport, a name it received in the mid-1940s. In 1949, it was renamed O'Hare International Airport after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.
Edward "Butch" O'Hare was an American naval aviator who became the Navy's first fighter ace of the war. On February 20, 1942, O'Hare single-handedly attacked a formation of nine medium bombers approaching his aircraft carrier. Despite having a limited amount of ammunition, he shot down five enemy bombers and severely damaged a sixth before they reached the bomb release point. This action, one of the most daring in the history of combat aviation, saved his carrier from serious damage. For his gallantry and courageous action, O'Hare was awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor.
O'Hare's father, Edward Joseph O'Hare, was a lawyer who worked closely with Al Capone before turning against him and helping to convict him of tax evasion. Butch O'Hare graduated from the Western Military Academy in 1932 and then attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He started flight training in 1939 at NAS Pensacola in Florida and went on to become a highly skilled naval aviator.
O'Hare International Airport was designed to be the successor to Chicago's Midway International Airport. The airport's innovative design pioneered concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refueling systems. O'Hare became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Today, it is still considered one of the busiest airports in the world, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
ORD is the IATA code for Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
ORD airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
ORD airport is considered the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport in the world. It is also the 4th busiest airport and the 16th largest airport in the world.
ORD airport has good restaurants and shops in the terminal buildings. It also has a redesigned TSA checkpoint and easy access to the city of Chicago.










































