Chicago City Wire

O’Hare International Airport experienced its busiest summer on record, according to an announcement from Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). More than 24.3 million passengers traveled through O’Hare during June, July, and August, surpassing the previous high of 24 million set in 2019 by 1.2%. In August alone, over 8 million passengers passed through the airport.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “Chicago continues to prove itself as the transportation hub of the world. O’Hare’s record-breaking summer is a testament to our city’s global reach and to the tens of thousands of aviation professionals who keep travelers moving safely and efficiently every single day. Their work embodies the Chicago spirit of excellence, service, and innovation.”

CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray commented on the achievement: “With more than 24 million passengers passing through O’Hare this summer, this milestone underscores the importance of our continued investment in terminal facilities, airfield infrastructure, and the customer experience. Through ORDNext and other modernization efforts across our four terminals, we’re ensuring that O’Hare remains a world-class gateway for generations to come. I want to thank our airline partners for their continued confidence in Chicago and for helping us achieve this remarkable milestone.”

The increase in passenger numbers reflects both strong connecting traffic and local demand as travelers continue choosing Chicago as a destination or transit point.

This summer saw several new nonstop flights introduced at O’Hare. Japan Airlines began service to Tokyo Narita while Avianca launched flights to San Salvador. American Airlines and United Airlines added seasonal routes to Halifax, Canada; WestJet started new service to Edmonton.

Looking ahead, airlines plan further expansion at O’Hare into fall and winter seasons. United Airlines will operate its busiest schedule from O’Hare this fall with expanded service not only within the U.S., such as Phoenix, Austin, and Orlando but also internationally including destinations like Liberia (Costa Rica), Cozumel (Mexico), Saint Maarten, Guatemala City, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), San José del Cabo (Mexico), along with resuming Tel Aviv flights in November.

American Airlines has announced new routes including Curacao; Guatemala City; Mexico City; San Jose (Costa Rica); St. Croix; St. Maarten; plus increased frequency to Aruba; Cancun; Grand Cayman; Liberia (Costa Rica); Montego Bay (Jamaica); Nassau (Bahamas) among others. Service to Honolulu begins late October.

Additionally, Arajet will start year-round service from O’Hare to Punta Cana with three weekly flights beginning mid-November while VivaAerobus plans new service between O’Hare and Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport.