Which US Aviation Hub Reclaimed the Busiest Airport Title in 2025?

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is once again the nation’s busiest airfield. Preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows this major shift. O’Hare recorded 857,392 aircraft operations in 2025. This total includes both takeoffs and landings at the facility. The number is a significant milestone for the Chicago hub.

This achievement means O’Hare has surpassed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Atlanta has long held the top position in the United States. This marks the first time O’Hare has been the nation's busiest since 2019. Atlanta recorded 807,625 operations in 2025, according to one report.

City and Industry Reaction

Chicago city officials announced the new ranking on Tuesday. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the statistic a "statement about Chicago's momentum". He added that the city is "building, growing, and leading". The new ranking represents "jobs, commerce, tourism and opportunity" for the city.

Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Michael Murray credited the airport’s operational teams. He also thanked key airline partners, including United Airlines and American Airlines. These two carriers maintain significant hub operations at O’Hare. Their concurrent expansion efforts helped fuel the increase in aircraft movements. The CDA commissioner noted that this achievement belongs to the operations workers and the people of Chicago.

Chicago’s Dual-Airport System

Chicago's other major airport, Midway International Airport (MDW), also contributed to the city's aviation volume. Midway ranked 38th in the nation for takeoffs and landings. It handled 210,930 aircraft operations in 2025. Combined, the two Chicago airports saw an aircraft take off or land every 30 seconds throughout 2025. This dual-hub system underscores Chicago's strength as a major US aviation center.

Capacity and Future Growth

O'Hare's return to the top spot is linked to sustained investment in modernization. The airport is currently undertaking the multi-billion-dollar ORDNext program. This program aims to expand capacity and improve the passenger experience.

• The major project includes a new $1.3 billion, 19-gate Concourse D.
• This new concourse is scheduled to open in late 2028.
• Expansion efforts are crucial for accommodating the growing flight volumes.

Industry experts note that O'Hare's position as a highly connected airport helped drive the operations growth. However, it is important to note the distinction between operations and passenger traffic. While O’Hare leads in aircraft movements, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta often remains the world leader in total passenger volume. Final global rankings for both operations and passenger figures are still pending from organizations like Airports Council International. The preliminary FAA data confirms O’Hare’s powerful post-pandemic recovery and its growing capacity.

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