O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare International Airport Logo

O'Hare International Airport (ORD), located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. Named after Edward O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace of World War II, it serves as a major hub for both domestic and international travel.

History

O'Hare International Airport was originally constructed in 1942–43 as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54s during World War II. The site was chosen for its proximity to the city and transportation facilities. After the war, the site was converted for civilian use to help alleviate traffic from Midway Airport, which was then the primary airport serving Chicago. O'Hare officially opened for commercial air traffic in 1955 and has since grown to cover more than 7,600 acres, featuring multiple runways, terminals, and a vast array of facilities and services for passengers.

Terminals

O'Hare has four passenger terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) with a total of nine concourses and more than 180 gates. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are used for domestic flights, while Terminal 5 handles international flights. Each terminal has a variety of dining, shopping, and service options for travelers.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is primarily used by United Airlines and is known for its distinctive "B" and "C" concourses connected by an underground pedestrian walkway featuring a kinetic light sculpture.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 serves as a hub for both domestic and regional flights operated by airlines including Delta Air Lines and its partners.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is primarily used by American Airlines and offers a wide range of amenities and services for passengers.

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 is the airport's international terminal, hosting foreign carriers and providing a wide array of international services, including customs and immigration facilities.

Facilities and Services

O'Hare offers a wide range of facilities and services, including numerous dining and shopping options, lounges, a yoga room, and an indoor urban garden. The airport also provides services such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and children's play areas.

Transportation

O'Hare is accessible by car, bus, and the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line, which provides 24-hour service between the airport and downtown Chicago. Additionally, the airport offers a variety of parking options, from hourly and daily parking to long-term and economy lots.

Operations

O'Hare is a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, and it serves as a key airport for cargo operations. It has a high volume of both domestic and international flights, contributing to its status as one of the busiest airports in the world by total passenger traffic.

Future Developments

The airport is undergoing a significant expansion and modernization project, known as the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP), which includes the construction of new runways, the expansion of terminals, and the improvement of passenger facilities to increase capacity and efficiency.

Incidents and Accidents

Over the years, O'Hare has experienced several incidents and accidents. However, it has continually worked on improving safety measures and emergency response capabilities to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.