O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving the city of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of downtown Chicago, it is a critical hub for both domestic and international travel. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers an extensive area of 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km²).
History
Originally developed as an airfield for a Douglas Aircraft Company manufacturing plant during World War II, O'Hare was designed to succeed Midway International Airport, which was previously known as the "busiest square mile in the world." The airport's first international terminal opened in August 1958. By April 1959, O'Hare had expanded significantly, with new hangars, terminals, and a completed expressway link to downtown, now known as the Kennedy Expressway.
The arrival of the jet age marked a pivotal moment for the airport, with the first scheduled jet flight, an American Airlines Boeing 707, landing on March 22, 1959. This transformation led to a major shift of airline operations from Midway to O'Hare.
Operations
O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports, known for having the most runways globally. As of 2024, it ranks as the most connected airport in the United States and the fifth most connected worldwide. It serves as the main hub for United Airlines and the third-largest hub for American Airlines.
The airport is a center for innovation and expansion, as evidenced by the O'Hare 21 project—a significant redevelopment plan aimed at modernizing the terminal facilities. This includes adding new satellite concourses and expanding Terminals 2 and 5 to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A380 and improve passenger amenities.
Terminals
Chicago O'Hare International Airport comprises four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected via pedestrian walkways, while the Terminal Transfer Bus facilitates connections to Terminal 5. The Airport Transit System provides additional light rail service for inter-terminal transportation.
Terminal Expansion
Terminal 5 recently underwent significant expansions, adding ten new gates and additional facilities to handle increased passenger traffic. The ongoing replacement of Terminal 2 aims to combine domestic and international flights under one roof, enhancing passenger experience by facilitating faster connections and accommodating modern security and customs processes.
Incidents
Despite its many accolades, O'Hare has also been the site of notable incidents. On May 25, 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 crashed shortly after takeoff, marking the deadliest single-aircraft accident in United States history prior to the September 11 attacks. Another tragic event occurred on March 19, 1982, when a United States Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed near Woodstock, Illinois, resulting in 27 fatalities.