CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Airports Council International (ACI) World announced today that O’Hare International Airport was ranked 2024’s second-busiest airport in the world for aircraft movements and the eighth busiest in the world for passengers.

“Chicago has long stood at the crossroads of global travel and commerce, and O’Hare’s ranking as the world’s second-busiest airport for aircraft movements is a powerful reflection of that legacy,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This achievement reflects the strength of our workforce, the leadership team at the Chicago Department of Aviation, and our city’s ongoing commitment to investing in world-class infrastructure that connects people and drives economic opportunity.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to our frontline CDA staff for their tireless dedication to ensuring Chicago’s airports operate safely, efficiently, and reliably — even amid growing demand,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “As passenger volumes and operations reach their highest levels of the decade, the CDA team remains focused on delivering a world-class experience at O’Hare and, through the O’Hare 21 capital program, advancing our efforts to modernize it into a premier international hub that meets the needs of travelers for generations to come.”

O’Hare handled 776,036 aircraft movements in 2024, second only to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. That figure marks a 7.7% increase in aircraft operations over 2023.

O’Hare processed more than 80 million passengers last year, an 8.3% increase over 2023 — the largest year-over-year percentage gain of any airport in the Americas included in ACI’s 2024 rankings. O’Hare beat out Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China, and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, in the top 10 rankings, moving up from its No. 9 position in 2023. Full rankings are available on ACI World’s website.

"Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines,” ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said. “These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress."

Chicago’s airports are prepared for air service and demand to continue growing in 2025, with airlines scheduling nearly 17.8 million departing seats from O’Hare and Midway this summer, poised to be the busiest season in their history.