At a Glance
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport became the busiest U.S. airport in 2025.
- Total flights rose 10.5% from 2024 to 2025, reaching 857,392 movements.
- O’Hare now outscores Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Las Vegas in annual traffic.
Why it matters: The jump signals Chicago’s growing influence in national aviation and sets the stage for future expansion plans.
The latest FAA data shows that Chicago O’Hare International Airport has overtaken Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the busiest airport in the United States for 2025. With 857,392 takeoffs and landings, the Windy City’s hub experienced a 10.5% increase from the previous year, underscoring the city’s expanding role in domestic and international travel.
2025 Busiest Airport Rankings
The Federal Aviation Administration’s preliminary figures list the top five U.S. airports for 2025. The table below shows the total movements for each hub.
| Rank | Airport | Total Takeoffs & Landings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago O’Hare International Airport | 857,392 |
| 2 | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | 807,625 |
| 3 | Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport | 741,286 |
| 4 | Denver International Airport | 707,268 |
| 5 | Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) | 586,821 |
Chicago’s Midway International Airport, the next largest hub, ranked 38th with 210,930 movements.
Flight Volume Surge
The 10.5% rise in flights from 2024 to 2025 is the largest increase among the country’s busiest airports. Key details include:
- 776,036 flights in 2024.
- A year-over-year jump of 10.5%.
- O’Hare’s total movements now exceed 857,000.
The surge reflects a broader rebound in air travel as pandemic restrictions ease and demand for both business and leisure flights climbs.
Airport Infrastructure
O’Hare is preparing for future growth with a major expansion plan:
- A $1.3 billion, 19-gate New Concourse D slated for completion in late 2028.
- The airport currently operates 201 gates: 90 for United Airlines and 71 for American Airlines.
- 146 food and beverage vendors, including 86 retail and duty-free locations.
The new concourse will increase flight capacity and improve passenger experience, positioning O’Hare to handle even higher traffic volumes.
City Impact
Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the airport’s role in Chicago’s economic momentum. In a press release shared on Jan. 20, he stated:
> “From the runways of O’Hare to the neighborhoods across our city, Chicago is building, growing, and leading. We are open for business, open to the world, and once again setting the pace for the nation.”
Johnson’s remarks emphasize how O’Hare’s performance drives local employment, tourism, and business connectivity. The airport’s expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract additional airlines and routes.
Stress Ranking
Despite its traffic record, O’Hare is not the most stressful airport. According to iSelect, a travel-insurance comparison company, New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport tops the list of worldwide stressful airports. In the U.S., New York’s John F. Kennedy International and Chicago O’Hare rank fourth and fifth, respectively.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport leads U.S. traffic with 857,392 movements in 2025.
- The 10.5% increase from 2024 signals a strong rebound in air travel demand.
- A $1.3 billion expansion will add 19 gates by 2028, further boosting capacity.
- Mayor Johnson frames the airport’s success as a catalyst for Chicago’s broader economic growth.
- O’Hare remains a high-traffic hub but is not the most stressful airport for travelers.
The data underscores Chicago’s pivotal position in the national aviation network and points to continued investment in infrastructure to support future growth.
