Chicago O’Hare Unveils Its Longest International Routes for 2025

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has solidified its status as a major global aviation hub, ranking as the world’s eighth busiest airport. In 2025, O’Hare is set to host some of the longest international routes, driven by significant demand from business travelers and tourists alike. The airport serves as a primary hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines, providing extensive connectivity to destinations across the globe.

As one of the largest airfields serving the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago O’Hare benefits from its strategic location and robust local market. The airport is linked to over 30 international carriers, ensuring a diverse range of flight options to various global destinations.

Top Routes from Chicago in 2025

Data from Cirium, a prominent aviation analytics firm, reveals that O’Hare will feature seven routes exceeding 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 kilometers) in 2025. The longest of these is operated by Cathay Pacific, which offers a daily flight connecting Chicago O’Hare to Hong Kong International Airport. This route measures an impressive 7,793 miles (6,771 nautical miles or 12,541 kilometers), with a flight time of up to 14 hours and 45 minutes eastbound and approximately 15 hours and 55 minutes for the return journey.

Cathay Pacific operates this route using the Airbus A350-1000, configured to accommodate 334 passengers, including 46 in business class, 32 in premium economy, and 256 in economy class. Although Cathay Pacific currently holds the sole connection for this route, it previously featured service from United Airlines, which was discontinued in 2019. Notably, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific maintain a long-standing partnership as members of the oneworld alliance, allowing American to offer tickets on this service.

The second-longest route from Chicago O’Hare is Ethiopian Airlines’ flight to Addis Ababa. Covering a distance of 6,584 nautical miles (12,194 kilometers), this route utilizes the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines has established a strong presence in the United States, serving five airports across the country, and this flight is particularly notable as it reflects the airline’s extensive network.

Ethiopian Airlines operates its 787-8 in a two-class configuration with 270 seats, including 24 in business class and 246 in economy. The airline’s hub at Bole International Airport, situated at a high elevation of 7,625 feet (2,334 meters), necessitates a stopover in Rome for its flights to the United States, including Chicago.

Additional Long-Haul Connections

Air India’s nonstop service from Chicago to Delhi ranks third among the longest routes, measuring 6,502 nautical miles (12,042 kilometers). The airline operates between three and seven flights weekly, depending on the season, using various Boeing 777 models. Following this route, Chicago O’Hare also connects to three major Middle Eastern cities: Abu Dhabi (6,321 nautical miles), Dubai (6,296 nautical miles), and Doha (6,198 nautical miles). Each of these routes is serviced by prominent carriers like Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, utilizing Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

While Chicago O’Hare’s European connections are shorter on average, the longest European route from the airport reaches Istanbul at 4,756 nautical miles (8,809 kilometers), operated by Turkish Airlines. This route is served multiple times daily, showcasing the demand for travel between these two major cities.

Despite a relatively limited network to South America, Chicago O’Hare’s longest route to the continent is United Airlines’ service to São Paulo, operating year-round with a Boeing 787-10.

The expansion of long-haul routes from Chicago O’Hare is indicative of the airport’s strategic importance and the growing demand for international travel. As airlines continue to invest in modern aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, travelers can expect enhanced connectivity to destinations previously deemed economically unviable.

As the aviation landscape evolves, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is poised to remain a vital player in global air travel, facilitating connections between continents and enhancing its reputation as a premier international gateway.