Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport—known worldwide simply as O’Hare—continues to stand as one of the busiest and most strategically important aviation hubs on the planet. Located about 14 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the airport connects more passengers to more destinations within the United States than any other airport, firmly cementing its position as a gateway between America and the world.
A Rich Legacy Rooted in Heroism
Construction of the airport began in February 1944, originally under the name Orchard Field. Its transformation into a major aviation center was accompanied by a meaningful renaming.
In 1949, the Chicago City Council rechristened it Chicago O’Hare International Airport in honor of Lieutenant Commander Edward H. “Butch” O’Hare, a heroic World War II naval aviator and the city’s first Medal of Honor recipient.
O’Hare officially opened to commercial operations on October 30, 1955. Trans World Airlines (TWA) had the distinction of operating the airport’s first scheduled departure a moment that marked the beginning of O’Hare’s rise as a global aviation powerhouse.
One of the Busiest Airports in the World
O’Hare’s rapid growth and sustained dominance are driven by several factors. It serves as a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, and its extensive use of regional jets has expanded route availability to a remarkable degree.
With eight runways sprawled across an impressive 7,200 acres, O’Hare is engineered for high efficiency handling an aircraft landing or takeoff roughly every 42.5 seconds. This astounding pace translates into about 2,036 aircraft arrivals each day, making it one of the busiest airports in the world by flight operations.
Its unmatched connectivity has earned O’Hare repeated recognition as the most connected airport in the United States, offering seamless access to domestic and international destinations for millions of travelers.
A Global Gateway Offering World-Class Services
Beyond sheer size and traffic volume, O’Hare is known for its extensive amenities, innovative infrastructure, and passenger-friendly design. From top-tier lounges and dining options to advanced security systems and expansive terminals, the airport provides an efficient yet comfortable transit experience.
For countless travelers, O’Hare is much more than a stopover it is a vital crossroads connecting cultures, economies, and global communities.
