O’Hare International Airport

What is the busiest airport in the world? You might think it’s someplace glamorous like Dubai or London. But for 25 years, that title belonged to our very own O’Hare International Airport, right here in Chicago. That’s right, folks, from 1963 to 1998, more passengers passed through these doors than any other airport on the planet! Originally called Orchard Field, O’Hare International Airport has a history as vast as its 7,200-acre sprawl. It all began during World War II as a manufacturing hub for Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft. After the war, the city recognized the airfield’s potential and, in 1949, renamed it after a true American hero: Edward “Butch” O’Hare. You see, Butch was a Navy pilot awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous defense of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington during the war. O’Hare became a symbol of innovation during the jet age. It was the birthplace of the world’s first jet bridge, a then-revolutionary invention that allowed passengers to board planes directly from the terminal. Today, O’Hare is a whirlwind of activity, handling an average of 585 flights each and every day. It’s a major hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines, with connections to over 200 destinations worldwide. So, next time you’re flying through O’Hare, take a moment to appreciate its incredible history. From humble beginnings as a wartime factory to its reign as the world’s busiest, O’Hare International Airport is a testament to Chicago’s spirit of ambition and innovation.