Jazmin Li
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation, which owns both O'Hare and Midway International Airports. O'Hare Airport covers 7,627 acres and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide. It is a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines and has recently undergone significant expansion and renovation projects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Owner | Chicago Department of Aviation |
| Operator | Chicago Department of Aviation |
| Location | Northwest Side, Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Distance from Loop business district | 17 miles |
| Area covered | 7,627 acres |
| Destinations with non-stop flights | 249 |
| Global rank in 2024 | 5th most connected airport |
| Global rank in 2023 | 4th busiest airport |
| Number of aircraft movements in 2019 | 919,704 |
| Average number of aircraft movements in 2019 | 2,520 per day |
| Airlines using it as a hub | American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines |
| Number of terminals | 5 |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicago O'Hare Airport is owned by the Chicago Department of Aviation
- The airport was once a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters
- O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world
- The airport is currently undergoing a $200 million upgrade
- O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide
Chicago O'Hare Airport is owned by the Chicago Department of Aviation
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is owned by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The airport is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from Chicago's Loop business district. O'Hare is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, and is one of the busiest airports in the world. It has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe and is the fourth busiest and sixteenth largest airport in the world.
The airport's history dates back to World War II when it was a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The site was chosen for its easy access to Chicago's workforce and railroads, and it successfully produced over half of all C-54s built. The airfield, initially known as Douglas Airport, featured four 5,500-foot runways.
O'Hare Airport continued to gain prominence during the Jet Age, becoming the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. It has maintained its status as one of the busiest airports globally, ranking highly according to the Airports Council International. In 2019, O'Hare recorded 919,704 aircraft movements, the highest daily average of any airport worldwide.
The Chicago Department of Aviation operates both O'Hare and Midway International Airports. The department has undertaken significant upgrades to O'Hare, including the recent renovation and expansion of Terminal 5, which added new gates, dining options, retail spaces, and a Delta Sky Club lounge. The department has also received approval for the O'Hare 21 project, which includes the construction of the O'Hare Global Terminal and two new satellite concourses, showcasing their commitment to modernizing and expanding the airport's capabilities.
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The airport was once a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters
Chicago O'Hare International Airport 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. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2). O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world, and as of 2024, it is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport in the world.
The airport began as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. The site was originally known as Orchard Place, previously a small German-American farming community. The 2 million square feet (190,000 m2) plant was located in the northeast corner of what is now the airport. The plant needed easy access to the workforce of Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time, as well as railroads and a location far from enemy threat. 655 C-54s were built at the plant, more than half of the total produced. The airfield, from which the C-54s flew out, was known as Douglas Airport, and it initially had four 5,500-foot (1,700 m) runways.
The Douglas C-54 Skymaster is a four-engined transport aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and the Korean War. The aircraft was derived from a civilian airliner, the Douglas DC-4, and was used for various non-combat roles, including air-sea rescue, scientific and military research, and missile tracking and recovery. It also served as the main airlift during the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War.
The airport was renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and was assigned the IATA code ORD. In 1949, it was renamed O'Hare Airport after aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. O'Hare became famous during the jet age and was the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in the world, with a large number of regional flights contributing to its high aircraft movement numbers.
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O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. As of 2024, it is the 4th busiest airport in the world and the most connected airport in the US. O'Hare covers 7,627 acres and has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation, which also oversees Midway Airport.
O'Hare's history as a busy airport dates back to World War II when it was a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The site was chosen because it needed easy access to Chicago's large workforce and railroads, and it was far from enemy threats. During the Korean War, the United States Air Force used the airport as a fighter base. As the need for an active-duty fighter base diminished, commercial business picked up at the airport. In 1960, the Air Force removed active-duty units, turning the station over to Continental Air Command.
O'Hare became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction as 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. This high number of movements is partly due to a large number of regional flights. O'Hare is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines and a base for Frontier and Spirit Airlines.
The airport's busy status has sparked conversations about safety and security. In 2025, a DoorDash driver mistakenly entered a restricted area, raising temporary security concerns. This incident has brought up broader concerns about ground security and access control at O'Hare and other busy US airports.
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The airport is currently undergoing a $200 million upgrade
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is owned by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The airport is currently undergoing a $200 million upgrade, with Terminal 3 set to undergo a major interior renovation. The project is a joint initiative between the airport and its federal and airline partners. The upgrade will include enhanced security and baggage areas, with more legroom for travellers. The renovation will also provide additional passenger space, new concessions, and streamlined checkpoints, improving the overall passenger experience and efficiency of operations.
The Chicago Department of Aviation's commitment to modernising the airport is evident through this significant investment. Terminal 3's remodel will not only offer improved functionality but also contribute to the overall comfort and convenience of travellers passing through O'Hare International Airport. As one of the busiest airports in the world, these enhancements are crucial to accommodate the high volume of passenger traffic and maintain the airport's reputation as a leading aviation hub.
The security enhancements include reconfiguring the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration checkpoint to allow for new screening equipment. This upgrade will ensure that the airport can utilise the latest technology for efficient and effective security checks, benefiting both passenger safety and expediting the screening process. The additional legroom created during the renovation will also enhance the overall experience for travellers, providing more space and reducing congestion in high-traffic areas.
The new concessions and streamlined checkpoints mentioned by Commissioner Jamie Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation will undoubtedly elevate the airport's offerings and improve the efficiency of passenger processing. These changes are designed to meet the evolving needs of travellers and adapt to the dynamic aviation industry. By prioritising functionality and passenger experience, O'Hare International Airport reinforces its commitment to excellence and ensures its competitiveness on a global scale.
The $200 million upgrade is a testament to the airport's dedication to maintaining its status as one of the most connected and busiest airports in the world. With non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe, O'Hare International Airport serves as a vital aviation hub, connecting people and businesses across continents. The ongoing improvements to the airport's infrastructure reflect a proactive approach to meeting the demands of modern air travel, ensuring that the airport remains a preferred choice for airlines and passengers alike.
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O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a busy airport with a rich history. The airport is currently owned by the Chicago Department of Aviation and operated by the same. It was previously used extensively by the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was home to the 62nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. O'Hare Airport has come a long way since its early days as an airfield and manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II.
Today, O'Hare boasts an impressive network of non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide. As of summer 2024, passengers can travel directly to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. This extensive reach has earned O'Hare the title of the most connected airport in the United States and the fifth most connected airport globally.
The airport's location, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Chicago's Loop business district, makes it easily accessible to travellers. O'Hare handles a large volume of regional flights, contributing to its high ranking in aircraft movements worldwide. Its role as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines further enhances its connectivity.
The range of destinations served by O'Hare is vast. Popular international routes include Toronto (YYZ) and London (LHR). For those seeking warmer climates, O'Hare offers direct flights to 87 Humid Subtropical/Warm Temperate destinations, known for their lush greenery and mild winters. Long-haul flights, such as the 15-hour journey to Hong Kong (HKG), open up even more travel possibilities.
With its diverse flight offerings, O'Hare International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Chicago to the world. Its non-stop flights to 249 destinations provide travellers with convenient and efficient travel options, solidifying O'Hare's reputation as a leading global aviation hub.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chicago Department of Aviation owns and operates Chicago O'Hare Airport.
The Chicago Department of Aviation.
The airport was used extensively by the United States Air Force during the Korean War. It was also used as a fighter base and was home to the 62nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron from 1950 to 1959.
