For the first time in four years, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has usurped the throne from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), winning back the honor of busiest US airport.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that ORD played host to 903,000 total aircraft arrivals and departures in 2018.  In comparison, ATL accommodated 895,000 arrivals and departures.  Rounding out the top five list were Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Denver International Airport (DEN).  

The FAA data indicates that ORD’s operations increased 4.2% last year, while ATL’s increased only 1.8%.  The influx in business may be attributed to United’s increasing presence at ORD.  In recent years, the airline has strived to add more flights from the Chicago hub to smaller cities throughout the Midwest.