Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has continued its reign as a global aviation powerhouse, claiming the fifth spot on Cirium’s ‘Most Connected Airports’ list for 2024. This impressive ranking highlights O’Hare’s extensive reach, offering flights to a remarkable 270 destinations across the globe.
The ‘Most Connected Airports’ list, compiled by aviation analytics firm Cirium, showcases some of the busiest and most interconnected airports worldwide. While O’Hare secured the fifth position, other US airports also made a significant presence in the top 20, demonstrating the country’s influence in global air travel. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) followed closely at sixth with 261 connections, while Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) held the ninth spot with 237 connections. Denver International Airport (DEN) narrowly missed the top 10, ranking 11th with 229 connections.
Looking at the global landscape, Istanbul Airport (IST) took the top spot with an impressive 309 destinations, largely attributed to its role as the primary hub for Turkish Airlines, renowned for its extensive global network covering over 270 destinations. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) followed closely with 296 destinations, while Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) secured the third position with 282 destinations. Notably, no UK airport made it into the top 10, with London Heathrow Airport (LHR) placing 12th and London Gatwick (LGW) ranking 14th, tied with Madrid, both offering 218 destinations. It’s worth noting that Heathrow was ranked 8th in the first half of 2023.
Beyond connectivity, O’Hare also boasts a significant position in terms of passenger capacity. According to OAG, O’Hare ranks as the seventh-busiest airport globally this month by seat capacity, offering an astounding 4,393,280 seats, and is the third busiest in the United States. United Airlines reigns as the largest carrier operating out of O’Hare, followed by American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Delta, and Southwest.
While O’Hare regularly handles some of the world’s largest aircraft, it also has a robust network of regional jet operations, making it the top airport globally for regional jet flights. With over 27,000 average daily roundtrips, regional jets account for 40% of the airport’s operations, with American Eagle being the most prominent player in this segment. O’Hare’s dedication to regional connectivity showcases its commitment to providing diverse travel options for passengers across the United States.
O’Hare’s impressive ranking in both connectivity and passenger capacity signifies its vital role in the global aviation landscape. With its extensive network of domestic and international flights, O’Hare continues to solidify its position as a major hub for travelers seeking seamless connections to destinations worldwide.
