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Chicago O’Hare Reclaims Busiest U.S. Airfield on Preliminary FAA Counts

The shift reflects preliminary takeoff-and-landing counts, not final passenger totals.

Overview

  • Preliminary FAA data show O’Hare tallied 857,392 takeoffs and landings in 2025, surpassing Atlanta’s 807,625 for the first time since 2019.
  • The ranking is based on aircraft movements rather than passengers, and final U.S. passenger figures and global standings are still pending.
  • O’Hare’s operations rose 10.5% year over year, with the airport serving as a major hub for American and United, while Atlanta is Delta’s primary hub.
  • Chicago officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Choose Chicago’s Kristen Reynolds, lauded the milestone as evidence of city momentum.
  • Capacity plans include a $1.3 billion, 19-gate Concourse D targeted for late 2028, and Chicago Midway recorded 210,930 operations in 2025.