Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) remains one of the busiest and most important transportation hubs in the United States. Its central location makes it an ideal connecting point for both domestic and international travelers. As the second busiest airport in the country, just behind Atlanta (ATL), O’Hare plays a crucial role in global air travel. With major carriers like United Airlines and American Airlines dominating the scene, O’Hare also boasts a significant presence from top foreign airlines, providing travelers with seamless international connections.
The first half of 2026 is expected to be particularly busy, as O’Hare surpasses Atlanta in scheduled flights for the period. This highlights the airport’s growing role as a vital hub in the international tourism landscape. But while American and United Airlines dominate the domestic market, a look at the most prominent foreign airlines operating at O’Hare reveals an exciting array of international routes and services catering to travelers from around the world.
Air Canada – Leading the Charge Among Foreign Airlines
Leading the list of non-U.S. carriers at O’Hare is Air Canada, the largest foreign airline serving the airport. With a scheduled 240 one-way departures in February 2026, Air Canada remains a critical link between Chicago and key Canadian destinations. The airline connects O’Hare with three major cities in Canada: Montréal (YUL), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR), providing up to nine daily flights to these bustling North American hubs.
Air Canada’s fleet at O’Hare includes a mix of aircraft designed to cater to both short and medium-haul routes. Among the most frequent flyers are the Embraer E175, with 87 departures, followed by the Airbus A220 with 61 flights, and the Bombardier CRJ900, which operates 59 flights. Additionally, the airline uses larger jets, such as the Airbus A320, for the route to Toronto Pearson, contributing 31 flights to the total. Air Canada’s diverse fleet allows it to maintain a competitive edge and provide flexibility for travelers with varying needs and schedules.
Air Canada’s Strategic Role in Connecting North America
Air Canada’s significant presence at O’Hare underscores its strategic role in connecting Chicago to Canada, a vital market for both tourism and business. Chicago, with its thriving economy and cultural influence, draws numerous visitors from Canada each year. Meanwhile, many U.S. travelers fly to Canada for leisure, business, and cultural exchanges, making Air Canada an essential carrier in facilitating this cross-border movement.
The three Canadian cities Air Canada serves from O’Hare are not only popular destinations for tourists but also important business hubs. Toronto is Canada’s financial capital, Montréal is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and Vancouver attracts travelers with its natural beauty and outdoor activities. With frequent, reliable flights between these cities and O’Hare, Air Canada makes it easy for travelers to explore both the U.S. and Canada.
Other Foreign Airlines at O’Hare: Offering Global Connections
While Air Canada leads, other prominent foreign airlines also serve Chicago O’Hare, contributing to its role as a major global gateway. Airlines from Europe, Asia, and Latin America connect O’Hare to key destinations around the world, offering travelers multiple options for international travel.
For example, Lufthansa and British Airways provide flights from O’Hare to major European hubs such as Frankfurt and London, respectively. Similarly, Japanese Airlines (JAL) offers service between O’Hare and Tokyo, while Aeromexico connects Chicago to Mexico City and other Latin American destinations. These international carriers offer both direct flights and convenient connections to additional destinations, providing unparalleled access to travelers seeking to explore new cultures, business opportunities, or vacation destinations.
Tourism Growth and O’Hare’s Role in International Travel
The growth of foreign airlines at O’Hare reflects the airport’s increasing importance in the global tourism sector. With tourism rebounding post-pandemic, travelers are eager to visit Chicago and beyond, and O’Hare’s vast international connections are helping to meet this demand. For tourists visiting the U.S. from Europe, Asia, or Latin America, O’Hare serves as an efficient entry point to the country’s diverse cities, including Chicago’s own iconic landmarks.
For travelers from Chicago, O’Hare offers convenient connections to international destinations, making it easier than ever to explore new cultures and regions. Whether for business, leisure, or education, O’Hare plays a pivotal role in facilitating the flow of people to and from the U.S.
Improved Connectivity and Future Growth
Looking ahead, O’Hare continues to expand and improve its international services. With the expansion of Terminal 5 and ongoing investments in airport infrastructure, the airport is enhancing its ability to handle increased international traffic. This will help meet the growing demand for flights to and from Chicago, particularly as foreign carriers increase their service offerings.
O’Hare’s growth in international flights also reflects the broader trends in U.S. tourism. As global travel continues to recover, Chicago’s position as a critical hub for tourism in North America will likely increase, supported by the robust international airline presence at O’Hare.
Conclusion: O’Hare’s Vital Role in Connecting the World
As one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and a key international hub, Chicago O’Hare International Airport continues to expand its offerings, ensuring seamless connections for travelers from around the world. With leading foreign airlines like Air Canada playing a pivotal role in serving North American routes, O’Hare remains a vital point of entry for both business and leisure travelers. As global tourism continues to grow, Chicago O’Hare will undoubtedly remain central to the flow of passengers across the globe, further enhancing its reputation as a premier international travel gateway.
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