Chicago O'Hare International Airport (KORD) is one of the busiest commercial airports in the world, sitting 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Commercial service is dominant — KORD is a major hub for United and American — and the field is generally not the Chicago-area business-aviation default. Charter and corporate traffic for the metro typically routes through KMDW (Midway, 10 miles southwest of downtown), KPWK (Chicago Executive in Wheeling, 20 miles north), or KDPA (DuPage, 30 miles west), all of which have dedicated FBO infrastructure and far less congestion.
The eight runways at KORD accommodate every current business jet without restriction. Signature is the principal private terminal. KORD makes sense for private aviation in two main cases: international arrivals that need CBP on a major hub, and VIP movements where the passenger prefers the iconic O'Hare experience over the suburban relievers. The operational realities are well known — slot pressure, taxi delays measured in tens of minutes during peak banks, and weather impacts (winter snow, summer thunderstorms in the Midwest convective belt) that can drive significant holds and diversions. Field elevation is 672 feet, no density-altitude concerns. Ground time to downtown Chicago is 25–45 minutes via I-90 / I-294.
Frequently asked questions about Chicago O'Hare International Airport
What is KORD airport?+
KORD is the ICAO code for Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA ORD), located in Chicago, IL.
What does ORD stand for?+
ORD is the IATA code for Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ICAO KORD) in Chicago, IL.
Where is Chicago O'Hare International Airport?+
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, IL.
Does Chicago O'Hare International Airport have commercial airline service?+
Yes — Chicago O'Hare International Airport is served by scheduled airlines in addition to private aviation traffic.
How long is the runway at Chicago O'Hare International Airport?+
The longest runway at Chicago O'Hare International Airport measures 13,000 ft (3,962 m).
What is the elevation of Chicago O'Hare International Airport?+
Chicago O'Hare International Airport sits at 680 ft above sea level.
What timezone is Chicago O'Hare International Airport in?+
Chicago O'Hare International Airport operates on America/Chicago.
How many private-jet empty legs are available at Chicago O'Hare International Airport?+
SkyAccess currently tracks 8 departing and 3 arriving private-jet empty legs at Chicago O'Hare International Airport over the next six months. Browse and book each leg with a free account.