Chicago: O'Hare International Airport Reclaims Title of Busiest Airfield in The World

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced that O'Hare International Airport has reclaimed its position as the busiest airfield in the world, according to new data released by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

In 2025, O'Hare recorded 860,015 aircraft operations—a 10.8% increase over 2024—the equivalent of one takeoff or landing every 37 seconds, around the clock, every day of the year, reaffirming Chicago's role as a global hub for commerce, travel, and connectivity.

"Being home to the busiest airport in the world is a point of pride for every Chicagoan," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "It reflects our city's enduring strength as a global economic engine, even in complex and evolving times. Chicago sets the pace, and the world takes notice. I want to thank the dedicated team at CDA, Commissioner Michael McMurray, and the more than 46,000 workers at O'Hare whose daily commitment keeps our city moving. This achievement belongs to you."

O'Hare last held the top spot in 2019. The airport's return to number one reflects unmatched operational capacity, powered by an eight-runway system developed over 16 years that stands as the most advanced airfield configuration of any civilian airport in the world, together with global connectivity, deep regional reach, and its strength as a premier cargo hub.

"This milestone is both a point of pride and a call to action," said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. "O'Hare's airfield leads the world in capacity, and now we must ensure our terminals, technology, and passenger experience rise to meet that standard. Continued investment is not optional—it is essential to maintaining Chicago's global competitiveness."

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With service to nearly 280 destinations in 2026, O'Hare remains one of the most connected airports in the world and has been ranked by the Official Aviation Guide (OAG) as the most connected airport in the United States since 2017. Through the $8.2 billion ORDNext program, CDA is advancing critical upgrades, including 43 new gates across Concourses D and E and the transformative O'Hare Global Terminal, which will replace Terminal 2.

"To remain a world-class gateway, we must continue to invest in our facilities, our workforce, and the traveler experience," McMurray added. "O'Hare sets the global benchmark for airfield operations, and with sustained commitment, we will ensure every part of the airport reflects that same level of excellence. We also extend our sincere thanks to American and United Airlines for their continued investment and partnership in helping drive this vision forward."

"Today's announcement affirms O'Hare's position as the current backbone of our national aviation system," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "As the nation's busiest airport and leading hub for connections, I urge the Federal Aviation Administration to prioritize funding for O'Hare International Airport to ensure continued safe and efficient travel experiences for Illinoisans and travelers from all across the country."

"One of our greatest strengths in Illinois is we're in the middle of everything and can connect Americans across our country," said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). "It's no surprise O'Hare reclaimed its title as busiest airport in the nation, leading as a hub for connections and proving critical for our country's aviation system. But with this increased volume comes the need for increased funding—the FAA must prioritize ORD for air traffic controller staffing and modernization upgrades. ORD is responsible for getting millions of people where they need to go, and prioritizing resources for ORD will yield nationwide results. I will continue to fight for the federal funding needed so ORD can operate safely and efficiently."

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ACI World's data shows O'Hare was 6.1% percent busier in 2025 than the next busiest airport by flight operations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. The top ten rankings in 2025 include:

1. O'Hare International Airport — 860,015
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — 807,625
3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport — 743,394
4. Denver International Airport — 701,335
5. Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas — 586,046
6. Los Angeles International Airport — 580,996
7. Charlotte Douglas International Airport — 574,193
8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport — 557,046
9. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport — 550,512
10. Istanbul Airport — 549,309

Passenger rankings also released by ACI World today place O'Hare sixth globally by passengers, with 84.8 million passengers—up 6% and two spots in the rankings from 2024. Complete passenger rankings can be found at aci.aero.

"We congratulate the world's busiest airports for managing growing air travel demand amid increasing operational complexity," said ACI World Director Justin Erbacci. "These hubs keep people and goods moving, supporting global trade, tourism, and economic growth in their communities and regions. To help keep pace with rising demand, governments must prioritize sustained investment in airports and the broader aviation ecosystem."

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