One of the world's busiest and most connected airports.
Opened
1944
Location
Chicago, United States
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world by passenger traffic and aircraft operations. Located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago in Illinois, it serves as a major hub for both domestic and international travel.
O'Hare is a primary hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, making it a critical node in global aviation networks. The airport handles tens of millions of passengers annually and offers nonstop service to hundreds of destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
A major modernization program, the O'Hare 21 expansion project, is underway to add new gates, a global terminal, and infrastructure upgrades to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience.
Terminals
O'Hare has four passenger terminals—Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 5—with Terminals 1–3 serving domestic and some international flights and Terminal 5 dedicated to international arrivals and departures.
Getting to & from
O'Hare is directly served by the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line rail, providing fast, affordable access to downtown Chicago, and is also accessible by taxi, rideshare, and express bus.
Airlines here
United Airlines and American Airlines use O'Hare as a major hub, with additional service from Air Canada, Lufthansa, British Airways, and many other domestic and international carriers.
Notable facts
- ›Named after U.S. Navy aviator and Medal of Honor recipient Edward 'Butch' O'Hare.
- ›The IATA code ORD derives from the airport's former name, Orchard Field.
- ›O'Hare held the record for world's busiest airport by aircraft movements for many years.
- ›The O'Hare 21 modernization program includes a new global terminal and satellite concourse.
- ›The airport covers approximately 7,200 acres, making it one of the largest in the U.S. by land area.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
