By Chicago Times Magazine

February 24, 2024

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is back on top as it captures the top spot as the world’s busiest airport for passenger traffic in 2023. This is a significant milestone for Chicagoland and a strong rebound in the travel industry post-pandemic. According to data by the Airports Council International (ACI), O’Hare served over 57 million in 2023, surpassing Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which held the title for the past seven years.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at O’Hare, from airline crews to security personnel and all the individuals who contribute to making Chicago a travel hub,” said Jamie Rhee, the Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner. 

O’Hare’s return to the top was helped by its strategic location in the midwest continental United States and its hub status for major carriers like United Airlines and American Airlines. In conjunction with the return to the top spot, O’Hara has recently implemented a multi-billion dollar modernization project aimed at improving passenger experience and increasing capacity.