Lois Larson
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. ORD is located 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).
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- O'Hare International Airport is Chicago's primary international airport
- The IATA code ORD is from its previous name, Orchard Field Airport
- O'Hare is the 4th busiest airport in the world
- The airport is located 17 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop business district
- O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world
O'Hare International Airport is Chicago's primary international airport
O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is Chicago's primary international airport. Located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district, O'Hare is easily accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxi. As of 2024, O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide. It is also the fourth busiest airport globally and the 16th largest. 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'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 assigned the IATA code ORD. In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the US Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. Despite the name change, the IATA code ORD was retained, making it unique among airport codes.
O'Hare International Airport has undergone significant growth and expansion over the years. In 1958, the airport opened its first international terminal, and by 1959, it had expanded to 7,200 acres with new hangars, terminals, parking, and other facilities. O'Hare's innovative design introduced concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The airport's efficient layout and accessibility contributed to its fame during the jet age, holding the title of the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.
Today, O'Hare remains a crucial aviation hub, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing its infrastructure. The O'Hare 21 project, designed by Studio ORD, includes the construction of two satellite terminals scheduled for completion in 2028, with an overall completion date of 2030. Despite budget challenges, the project continues with the support of major airlines, reflecting the airport's significance in global aviation and its role as Chicago's primary gateway to the world.
Airport Utility App: What's Its Purpose?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The IATA code ORD is from its previous name, Orchard Field Airport
The IATA code ORD, which is used to identify Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, originates from the airport's previous name, Orchard Field Airport. This original name was derived from the fact that the land on which the airport was constructed was once a collection of orchards, with the area known locally as Orchard Place.
In the early 20th century, this region just northwest of Chicago was a quiet, rural area, and the name Orchard Field reflected the peaceful, agricultural nature of the surrounding landscape. When the airport was established in 666, it took on this name, and so the airport code ORD was assigned, a code that has remained even as the airport's name changed.
The transformation of this area began in 1942 when the United States Army purchased the land to build an air base. The airfield was named Orchard Place Airport by the Army, and it served as a manufacturing site for Douglas C-54 military transports during World War II. After the war, in 1945, the property was transferred to the City of Chicago and renamed O'Hare International Airport, in honor of Lieutenant Edmund "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot and the first US Navy Medal of Honor recipient of that conflict.
Despite the change in the airport's official name, the IATA code ORD has persisted, a reminder of the site's history and a connection to its roots as Orchard Field Airport. This code is now deeply ingrained in the identity of the airport, used in airline booking systems, baggage tags, and as a shorthand way to refer to the airport in various contexts.
The ORD code has become an integral part of the airport's identity, so much so that even with the airport's name change to honor a war hero, the code remains a tribute to the area's past, a unique blend of old and new. This blend is reflective of the airport's evolution, from a quiet orchard to a bustling international hub, serving over 83 million passengers in 2019 and ranking as one of the world's busiest airports.
Exploring Sofia Airport: Things to Do and See
You may want to see also
Explore related products
O'Hare is the 4th busiest airport in the world
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located 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 is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States.
O'Hare International Airport is the 4th busiest airport in the world and the 16th largest airport. It held the distinction of being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. In 2019, O'Hare had 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day—the most of any airport in the world—owing in part to a large number of regional flights. As of 2024, O'Hare is considered the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport worldwide. 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.
The airport's IATA code, ORD, originates from its former name, Orchard Field Airport, which was changed 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. O'Hare's innovative design introduced concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminals, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems.
O'Hare International Airport is currently undergoing a significant expansion, with Studio ORD leading the design of the OGT, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP designing Satellites 1 and 2. The project has a total cost of $8.5 billion and is expected to be completed in 2030.
Exploring South Australia: Airport Accessibility and Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is located 17 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop business district
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Chicago's Loop business district. The airport is situated on the city's Northwest Side and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with a large number of regional flights contributing to its high aircraft movement numbers. In 2019, it recorded 919,704 aircraft movements, the most of any airport globally.
The airport's IATA code, ORD, originates from its former name, Orchard Field Airport, which was changed in 1949 to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honour recipient. O'Hare Airport was the first major airport planned after World War II, featuring innovative designs such as concourses, direct highway access, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems.
O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. As of 2024, it is considered the most connected airport in the United States and the fifth most connected airport worldwide. The airport covers a vast area of 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and provides ground transportation options such as airport shuttles, buses, the Chicago "L", and taxis.
The airport's design has undergone recent developments, with Studio ORD leading the architectural design for the OGT, while Satellites 1 and 2 will be designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the satellite terminals scheduled for completion in 2028 and the overall project in 2030.
Midway Airport's Neighborhood: Where to Stay and Explore
You may want to see also
Explore related products
O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world
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 airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxi. As of Summer 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.
O'Hare's non-stop flights connect passengers to a vast network of global destinations. With 47 or 48 airlines operating from the airport, passengers can reach major cities like New York, Toronto, and London, as well as distant locales such as Hong Kong and Taipei. The airport's direct flights to 87 Humid Subtropical or Warm Temperate destinations are particularly noteworthy, offering easy access to places renowned for their lush greenery and pleasant year-round temperatures.
O'Hare's extensive flight connections have earned it a reputation as one of the world's most well-connected airports. As of 2024, it was ranked as the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide. This connectivity, coupled with its status as one of the busiest airports globally, underscores O'Hare's significance in international aviation.
The airport's ability to facilitate non-stop flights to so many destinations stems from its innovative design. As the first major airport planned after World War II, O'Hare introduced pioneering concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. These design elements not only enhanced efficiency but also contributed to O'Hare's fame during the jet age.
O'Hare International Airport's non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide reflect its role as a key aviation hub, providing travellers with convenient access to a diverse range of locations. The airport's ongoing expansion projects, such as the O'Hare 21 development, aim to further enhance its capacity and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
Sonoma County Airport: Your Gateway to the World
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
ORD is the IATA code for Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The airport was originally named Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s, which is where the IATA code ORD comes from. In 1949, it was renamed O'Hare Airport after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a US Navy flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient.
When the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport in 1949, its IATA code was not changed, resulting in the unusual situation where the airport's code has no relation to its name.
O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking as the 4th busiest and 16th largest airport globally as of 2024. It is also the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected worldwide. The airport covers 7,627 acres and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe.
