CHICAGO — O’Hare International Airport is on track to reclaim its long-lost crown as the busiest airport in America, outpacing Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson for the first time in nearly two decades — thanks to a surge in air traffic and expanded service by major carriers.
Chicago Surges Ahead in Takeoffs and Landings
Preliminary FAA data reviewed by WGN Investigates shows O’Hare recorded 1,479 more flights than Atlanta in the first five months of 2025. Though that’s a slim lead considering O’Hare handles around 2,400 flights a day, aviation officials say it’s a sign of steady upward momentum.
“If the trend continues, O’Hare has a chance to reclaim the No. 1 spot globally for aircraft operations — something we haven’t seen since 2019,” said Karen Pride, spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Aviation.
Airlines Expand Chicago Operations
Both American Airlines and United Airlines are betting big on O’Hare. American plans to add 20 new destinations this year, including direct flights to Sun Valley, Idaho, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Meanwhile, United is boosting frequencies and launching new routes in a head-to-head battle for dominance.
The airport is a rare hub shared by three major carriers, which fosters competition and helps lower fares for passengers. United currently accounts for 48% of departures at O’Hare, with American operating 35%, and Southwest dominating at Midway.
Other Metrics Still Favor Atlanta — For Now
While O’Hare leads in aircraft movements, passenger volume and seat capacity still tip in Atlanta’s favor. According to travel analytics firm OAG, Atlanta is expected to offer 5.7 million seats in July, topping the global list. Dubai ranks second, with O’Hare in third.
However, O’Hare is making up ground quickly — it’s set to log an 11% increase in seat capacity this summer, the largest growth among the world’s top 10 airports.
$8.45 Billion Expansion Project Underway
To support this growth, O’Hare is in the early stages of a massive expansion project, including new satellite concourses and a global terminal. The $8.45 billion effort is expected to add gates, improve capacity, and modernize passenger experience by 2034.
This long-term investment reflects the city’s commitment to re-establishing its global aviation leadership. Aviation experts say infrastructure upgrades will be critical in maintaining O’Hare’s edge.
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