Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a bustling hub for air travel, ranking as the world’s eighth busiest airport and serving the third-largest city in the United States. This airport is a major hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines, making it a central point for connecting flights across the country and around the world. With over 30 international carriers providing service, ORD is a key player in the global aviation industry.

Strong Business Demand and Alliance Partnerships

Chicago is not only a major tourist destination, but also a thriving business center, making it a prime location for air travel. The city’s size and economic influence means that any route from ORD can tap into a significant amount of local demand. This is further amplified by the hub operations of American and United, which allow their alliance partners to access not only local demand, but also major connecting networks. This results in a strong presence of one world airlines (with American as a member) and Star Alliance airlines (with United as a member).

The Longest Route to Chicago in 2025

Data from Cirium, a leading aviation data analytics company, shows that Chicago O’Hare received seven routes over 6,000 NM (11,112 KM) in 2025. The longest of these routes is operated by Cathay Pacific, flying from Chicago to Hong Kong International Airport. This route covers a distance of 7,793 miles, or 6,771 nautical miles, making it the longest route out of ORD. The flight takes up to 14 hours and 45 minutes when flying east, and 15 hours and 55 minutes when returning to Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific operates this route daily using an Airbus A350-1000 with a total of 334 seats, including 46 business class, 32 premium economy, and 256 economy seats. While this is currently the only airline connecting these two cities, United Airlines previously operated this route until 2019. However, thanks to the strong partnership between American and Cathay Pacific as part of their one world membership, American still offers tickets for this flight.

Second Longest Route to Africa

Ethiopian Airlines has established a strong connecting hub in Africa, serving over 150 destinations from its hub at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The carrier operates services to five airports in the United States, with the longest route being from Chicago O’Hare to Addis Ababa. This route covers a distance of 6,584 NM (12,194 KM) and is operated using a Boeing 787-8 with a total of 270 seats, including 24 in business class and 246 in economy. Ethiopian’s hub is located at an altitude of 7,625 feet (2,334 meters) above sea level, making it a challenge for the airline to operate its longest routes to the US. As a result, all flights to the US from Addis Ababa include a stopover in Rome.