Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has been officially named the most connected airport in the United States and seventh in the world, according to data from the Official Aviation Guide (OAG) 2025 Megahubs Index. This airport offers connections to 214 domestic destinations, making it the top airport in the US for domestic connections. With over 100 million passengers per year, it is also one of the busiest airports in the world.

A Gateway to the World

Ranked seventh in the world for connectivity, Chicago O’Hare International Airport serves as a gateway to almost anywhere in the world. Its central location and extensive air service make it an attractive choice for travelers, with its main airline, United Airlines, operating nearly half of all flights. In comparison, Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, has a 79% share of flights.

In 2024, Chicago O’Hare had 65,141 connections to 297 destinations, including international routes, compared to 53,374 connections through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to 251 destinations. This data from OAG shows that ORD has the most connections and destinations of any airport in the US, making it a top choice for travelers.

The Most Connected Airport in the US

On its busiest day in 2025, Chicago O’Hare saw 76,244 connections to 214 domestic destinations, according to the top 25 US airport megahubs index. In comparison, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson had 54,533 connections to 161 domestic destinations. Fly Chicago reports that the airport offers over 1,040 daily flights to 171 US cities and 113 daily direct flights to 65 international destinations.

With 201 gates and four terminals, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the US, covering 7,627 square acres. In August 2025 alone, the airport welcomed over eight million passengers.

Praise from Officials

Chicago O’Hare and Midway airports are both vital gateways to final destinations, providing travelers with a wide range of flight connections. Michael McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), said in a press release, “Chicago is second to none in American aviation, and this ranking proves that our sustained investments in both O’Hare and Midway are paying off. ” He also thanked the airport’s airline partners for choosing Chicago O’Hare and Midway as their midcontinent hubs.

Mayor Brandon Johnson also expressed his pride in Chicago’s aviation market, saying, “Being named the best-connected airport in the nation means Chicagoans have more choices, airlines have more opportunities, and our city continues to stand out as a premier global hub for business and tourism.

The Top Ten US Airport Megahubs

Chicago O’Hare International Airport takes the top spot in the US Airport Megahubs Index, followed by Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.