By Richard M. Sullivan
Copyright hoodline
In a display of aviation supremacy, O’Hare International Airport in Chicago has laid claim to the title of the most connected hub in the United States for the year 2025. An announcement made by Mayor Brandon Johnson alongside the Chicago Department of Aviation heralds the airport’s jump to number one in the Official Aviation Guide’s (OAG) Megahubs Index. It now surpasses all domestic competitors with potential connections to an impressive 214 destinations within the country on what is considered the busiest travel day of the year.
It’s not just a domestic affair, however. O’Hare’s influence stretches globally, up two notches from its previous standing to slot in at seventh on the world stage, according to the report issued by OAG. Nearby Midway International doesn’t lag far behind, securing the number 22 spot on the American list, positioned just a step below New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. Reflecting on the news, Mayor Johnson declared, “Being named the best-connected airport in the nation means Chicagoans have more choices, airlines have more opportunities, and our city continues to stand out as a premier global hub for business and tourism.”
These rankings reflect more than mere numbers; they epitomize the strategic positioning and relentless strive for improvement by the city’s aviation industry. Commissioner Michael McMurray of the Chicago Department of Aviation credits this triumph to ongoing enhancements and expansions at both O’Hare and Midway. “We are building the infrastructure that will keep Chicago competitive for the next decade and beyond,” McMurray shared, expressing gratitude to the airline partners for their role in this collective achievement. Chicago’s central location, coupled with expanded air service, cements its magnetism for over 100 million passengers yearly—figures that reinforce its role in global commerce and travel.
Commemorating the achievements, O’Hare also documented remarkable passenger traffic, welcoming in excess of 8.26 million travelers during July 2025, setting a record for the airport’s busiest month in its storied history. The indicators of success are undoubtedly linked to the infrastructural and service improvements that have been a focus for the city’s airport authorities. The full breakdown of the top airport megahubs in the U.S. and globally, including those such as Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson and Dallas Fort Worth, can be found in detail on OAG’s website, rounding off a list where connectivity meets capacity.
