CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced a historic milestone for O’Hare and Midway International Airports, with summer 2025 poised to be the busiest season in their history.

This summer, Chicago’s airports will be busier than ever, with airlines scheduling nearly 17.8 million departing seats from June through August — representing a 7% increase over last year and a 4% increase over 2019. O’Hare and Midway will connect travelers to approximately 265 destinations worldwide, up from 250 last summer, further strengthening Chicago’s role as a global aviation hub.

“Chicago’s airports are the gateway to the world, and this record-breaking summer of air travel is a testament to our city’s strength as a global economic and tourism hub,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The continued expansion of service at O’Hare and Midway means more opportunities for businesses, more jobs for our residents, and greater access for visitors to experience all that Chicago has to offer. My administration remains committed to supporting investments that keep our airports among the most connected and competitive in the world.”

American Airlines and United Airlines, the largest hub carriers at O’Hare, have both announced significant expansion plans.

“We are thrilled to welcome our biggest summer of air service yet at Chicago’s airports,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “With expanded routes, new airline investments, and continued enhancements to concessions and amenities, we are ensuring that O’Hare and Midway remain among the most connected, efficient, and passenger-friendly airports in the world. The work we are doing today will help us meet growing demand for decades to come.”

American Airlines strengthens its commitment to Chicago

In February, American Airlines announced it has scheduled 25% more seats and 22% more departures from O’Hare this summer compared to summer 2024, with an anticipated peak of 480 flights per day. The carrier also announced that beginning in June, all service from O’Hare will be provided on larger, dual-class aircraft to provide more travelers with the opportunity to fly in premium seats.

New and expanded service for American this summer includes:

• ORD to Halifax, Canada (YHZ)once weekly seasonal service starts June 21
• ORD to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)once weekly seasonal service starts May 31
• ORD to Madrid, Spain (MAD)daily summer seasonal service starts March 3
• ORD to Naples, Italy (NAP)daily summer seasonal service starts May 6
• ORD to Bismarck, North Dakota (BIS)daily service starts June 5
• ORD to Boise, Idaho (BOI)daily service starts June 5
• ORD to Colorado Springs, Colorado(COS) daily service starts June 5
• ORD to Hyannis, Massachusetts(HYA) once weekly seasonal service starts June 21
• ORD to Key West, Florida(EYW) once weekly seasonal service starts June 7
• ORD to Spokane, Washington(GEG) daily service starts June 5 

Chicago’s hometown airline leads the way on O’Hare expansion

United Airlines, O’Hare’s largest carrier, announced in February that it will operate more seats out of Chicago in 2025 than at any point in the past two decades. To support this growth, the airline hired nearly 2,000 employees in Illinois in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to expansion in the region.

New and expanded service for United this summer includes:

• ORD to Edmonton, Canda (YEG)thrice weekly seasonal service starts May 24
• ORD to Halifax, Canada (YHZ)once weekly seasonal service starts May 24
• ORD to Winnipeg, Canada (YWG)doubles from daily service to twice-daily service starting May 22
• ORD to Billings, Montana (BIL) daily seasonal service starts May 22
• ORD to Ontario, California (ONT)daily service starts May 22
• ORD to Pellston, Michigan (PLN)daily seasonal service starts May 8, increasing to twice daily during the summer peak
• ORD to Rhinelander, Wisconsin (RHI)daily seasonal service starts May 8, increasing to twice daily during the summer peak
• ORD to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (CIU)daily summer seasonal service starts May 15 

Southwest continues to thrive at both Midway and O’Hare

Southwest Airlines, the Chicago region’s largest dual-airport operator, continues to strengthen its presence at Midway and O’Hare. At its summer 2025 peak in July, Southwest will offer nonstop service to 77 destinations — up from 66 at Midway alone during the pre-pandemic peak in July 2019 — underscoring its growing reach across both airports.

New and expanded service for Southwest this summer includes:

• MDW to Boise, Idaho (BOI)five times per week seasonal service starts June 5
• MDW to Spokane, Washington (GEG)five times per week seasonal service starts June 5 

Other new and expanded routes this summer include:

• Avianca: ORD to San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) thrice weekly seasonal service starts June 3, marking the first time this route has been offered since 2018
• Cathay Pacific: ORD to Hong Kong, China (HKG)will operate daily in summer 2025 for the first time since 2019
• Finnair: ORD to Helsinki, Finland (HEL)will increase to daily service starting March 30
• Frontier: ORD to Austin, Texas, (AUS)thrice weekly service starts March 6
• Frontier: ORD to Los Angeles, California (LAX)daily service starts May 22
• Japan Airlines: ORD to Narita, Japan (NRT) daily service starts June 1
• Spirit Airlines: ORD to Baltimore, Maryland (BWI) twice-weekly service starts May 8, marking the first time this route has been offered since 2020
• Spirit Airlines: ORD to Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)twice-weekly service starts May 9
• Turkish Airlines: ORD to Istanbul, Turkey (IST)increases to 17 times per week starting July 7, up from 14 times per week, the most direct service ever offered
• WestJet: ORD to Edmonton, Canada(YEG) thrice weekly summer seasonal service starts June 4

"This milestone reaffirms Chicago’s status as the top-ranked U.S. city for corporate relocation and site selection," said Phil Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. "With its central location and unmatched connectivity, Chicago is where passenger and commercial travel intersect seamlessly, enabling businesses, talent, and visitors to connect anywhere in the world. When we pitch Chicago to companies worldwide, the transformation of our airports — fueled by expanded service from United Airlines, American Airlines, and other carriers — reinforces our position as a thriving global business hub.”

“Chicago’s airports are the introduction to Chicago for millions of visitors to our city every year,” said Choose Chicago Interim President and CEO Rich Gamble. “Recent facilities and concessions upgrades at Midway and O’Hare will help to ensure that those first impressions are positive. And the expanded capacity of our airports and additional traffic will mean that more travelers than ever will get to experience the magic of summertime in Chicago this year.”

Chicago remains the most connected airport system in the U.S., as ranked by the Official Aviation Guide’s (OAG) 2024 Megahubs Index. With continued investments in air service and infrastructure, O’Hare and Midway are well-positioned to support growing passenger demand while enhancing the traveler experience. For more information on flights and airport services, visit flychicago.com.