Chicago O’Hare International Airport reclaimed the title of the busiest airport in the United States for the first time since 2019, surpassing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. According to Federal Aviation Administration data, O’Hare handled more than 857,000 flights throughout 2025.
Double-digit increase in flight traffic
According to preliminary data cited by USA Today, Chicago O’Hare International Airport ranked first nationwide in 2025 with 857,392 take-offs and landings.
CBS News reported that O’Hare recorded 776,036 flights in 2024. This represents a 10.5% increase in 2025. The rising number of flights has visibly increased congestion and activity at the airport.
Surpassed Atlanta
O’Hare rose to the top by overtaking Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which had held the title of the busiest airport in the United States since 2020. The Chicago airport had previously held the same title in 2019.
O’Hare serves as a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines.
Top 5 busiest airports in the United States (2025)
Based on federal data, the busiest airports in the United States in 2025 were ranked as follows:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 857,392 flights
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – 807,625
- Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport – 741,286
- Denver International Airport – 707,268
- Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) – 586,821
Chicago’s Midway International Airport ranked 38th nationwide with 210,930 flights.
Mayor: “This is more than just a statistic”
In a press release issued on 20 January, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson drew attention to the significance of the data, stating:
“These numbers are more than just statistics; they show Chicago’s momentum. From the runways of O’Hare to our neighbourhoods, Chicago is building, growing, and leading.”
New terminal to further increase capacity
Congestion at O’Hare is expected to increase further in the coming years. A new 19-gate Terminal D, with an investment of $1.3 billion, is planned to be completed by the end of 2028. The project aims to significantly increase flight capacity.
According to FlyChicago data, the airport currently has:
- 201 gates
- 90 of which belong to United Airlines, and 71 to American Airlines
146 food and beverage outlets and 86 retail, duty-free and service areas across the airport
Busiest, but not the most stressful
Although O’Hare stands out as the busiest airport in the United States, it did not receive the title of “the world’s most stressful airport”.
According to research by Australia-based travel insurance comparison company iSelect, Newark Liberty International Airport was ranked as the world’s most stressful airport. The list also included:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (4th place)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (5th place)
