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Verdict

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.4/10. Chicago O'Hare International Airport leads on lounges at 8.0/10.

Score comparison

Metric Islamabad International Airport Chicago O'Hare International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.4 7.4
On-Time Performance 7.2 7.0
Passenger Experience 7.3 7.2
Facilities & Comfort 7.7 7.8
Lounge Score 7.5 8.0
City Islamabad Chicago
Country Pakistan United States
Terminals 1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, T5 international)
Annual passengers 8M+ 73M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy ISB — Islamabad ORD — Chicago
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Islamabad, Pakistan · ISB · #1 in this comparison

Islamabad International Airport

1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) · 8M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Islamabad International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.7). Lounge quality rates 7.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Islamabad ISB scores 7.4/10 — Pakistan capital gateway. PIA from MAN/BHX; Gulf hub connections via QR/EK. See /guides/uk-pakistan-flights-guide and /guides/islamabad-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.7 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.5 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.7
Lounge score 7.5/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–Pakistan gateway for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and northern Punjab
  • PIA direct MAN–ISB and BHX–ISB; Gulf carriers via DXB/DOH most competitive on price
  • New integrated terminal (2018) — Marhaba and Priority Pass lounges
  • e-Visa or visa on arrival for UK passport holders — apply online before travel

Overview

Pakistan's capital gateway — PIA direct from Manchester and Birmingham plus one-stop via Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul for UK–Punjab and KPK VFR traffic.

UK VFR routing

Compare direct PIA vs one-stop Qatar/Emirates — Gulf carriers often cheaper in business with superior lounge product.

Allow 60+ min immigration at peak UK arrival banks (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan).

Chicago, United States · ORD · #2 in this comparison

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, T5 international) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Chicago O'Hare International Airport?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.2), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) scores 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.0/10. All international flights depart Terminal 5 — alliance lounges serve Star Alliance and oneworld partners. United Polaris is in Terminal 1 only. See /guides/ord-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.0 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.2
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.0/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 5 handles all international departures — Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam alliance lounges
  • United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 for United long-haul business class — not reachable airside from T5
  • Common connection point for UK–US domestic and UK–Asia routings via United and American
  • ORD people mover links terminals landside — plan 60+ minutes for terminal changes

Overview

United Airlines and American Airlines mega-hub — Terminal 5 international departures with Star Alliance and oneworld lounges for transatlantic connections.

Terminal 5 international hub

Terminal 5 consolidates international departures with Swissport-operated alliance lounges for Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam. United and American domestic connections require landside terminal transfer and re-security.

UK travellers connecting to US domestic flights should allow 2+ hours minimum for immigration, baggage reclaim if not interlined, and re-check.

More comparisons

Compare Islamabad International Airport (ISB) against 59 other airports
Compare Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Islamabad International Airport or Chicago O'Hare International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.4/10. Chicago O'Hare International Airport leads on lounges at 8.0/10.

Which has better lounges, ISB or ORD?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher for lounges at 8.0/10, versus Islamabad International Airport at 7.5/10.

Which airport is more on-time, ISB or ORD?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) has stronger on-time performance at 7.2/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.0/10.