O’Hare Marks 70 Years Since First Passenger Flight

Seventy years ago, O’Hare International Airport made aviation history when a Trans World Airlines (TWA) flight departed for Paris — its first-ever commercial passenger service. On that October morning in 1955, Mrs. Dorothy Marth of Kankakee, Illinois, became O’Hare’s first passenger, boarding TWA’s Trip 94 bound for Paris and Cairo. As reported by the Chicago Tribune at the time, Captain Joseph W. Grant of New York City started his engines and took off at precisely 10 a.m.

This week, city officials and American Airlines commemorated the milestone with a TWA Heritage Livery flight at O’Hare, honoring the airport’s pivotal role in shaping global air travel.

Mayor Brandon Johnson reflected on the legacy of the partnership between the city and American Airlines:

“From O’Hare’s very first passenger flight, American Airlines has been woven into the fabric of our city’s aviation legacy,” Johnson said. “As American continues to grow and invest in Chicago, we look forward to building on this partnership and shaping the next 70 years of progress together.”

Michael McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, emphasized how far the airport has come since its early years:

“When O’Hare opened for business in October 1955, just four airlines — United, American, TWA, and Northwest Orient — operated flights to 23 destinations,” he said. “By the end of 1956, O’Hare was also served by BOAC, Braniff, Capital, Delta, Eastern, North Central, Pan Am, and United, along with freight carriers Riddle and Slick. Those early days set the foundation for O’Hare’s transformation into a global aviation hub.”

Nate Gatten, American Airlines Executive Vice President, underscored the company’s enduring commitment to Chicago:

“Launching the first passenger flight from O’Hare was just the beginning for American. Over the next seven decades, we invested billions of dollars into the airport and partnered closely with the City of Chicago to shape O’Hare into the leading aviation hub it is today,” he said. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our long-standing partners at the City and Chicago Department of Aviation — a testament to the power of our shared vision and sustained investments that have kept Chicago at the forefront of the world for 70 years. Now, we look ahead to an even stronger O’Hare as we bolster our ORD network, transform the customer experience, and reaffirm our commitment to our team, customers, and entire Chicago community.”

When O’Hare opened in 1955, innovation was central to its identity. The airport featured “Skymotive”, the nation’s first corporate aviation terminal — a $1 million facility ahead of its time. Initially, airlines remained focused on Midway Airport, and O’Hare’s growth was gradual until significant infrastructure upgrades began.

By 1957, more than $25 million had been invested in expanding terminals and runways. In August 1958, O’Hare opened its first dedicated international terminal, followed by Terminals 2 and 3, which began operation on January 1, 1962. The Kennedy Expressway’s completion in 1960 further solidified O’Hare’s role as Chicago’s primary airport.

Today, O’Hare International Airport serves over 260 global destinations, maintaining its position among the world’s busiest airports. The airport continues to evolve through the ORDNext capital improvement program, designed to meet future travel demands and strengthen partnerships with airlines.

With seven decades of progress behind it — and billions in ongoing investments — O’Hare stands as both a symbol of Chicago’s innovation and a cornerstone of global connectivity.