**Development of New Concourse at Chicago-O’Hare Airport Begins**

Chicago O’Hare Airport Begins $1.3 Billion Expansion of Concourse D

Chicago, IL – Construction has officially begun on a important expansion project at Chicago O’Hare international Airport (Ord). Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside representatives from federal, state, and local governments, and major airlines, marked the launch of the new Concourse D (Sala D) initiative on August 20, 2025. The project, a $1.3 billion investment, is poised to reshape the airport and strengthen Chicago’s standing in global aviation.

A New Gateway Takes Shape

The New Concourse D will feature 19 new aircraft gates, specifically designed to accommodate single-aisle aircraft. A flexible design element will also allow 18 of these gates to be reconfigured into nine wider access points, capable of handling large wide-body aircraft. This adaptability reflects the airport’s commitment to accommodating a diverse range of airlines and aircraft types.

Beyond the gates themselves, the expansion encompasses 1,800 square meters of waiting areas, 2,700 square meters dedicated to concessions and passenger circulation, and a 42-square-meter children’s play area. These amenities are focused on considerably improving the passenger journey.

Renderings depict the New Concourse D at Chicago-O’hare International Airport.

Airline Partnerships and Project Vision

Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, emphasized the importance of O’Hare to the airline’s operations, stating that the airport has been central to United’s history and growth in Chicago. He highlighted the record number of passengers United is currently carrying and its ongoing network expansion.

Steve Johnson, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of American Airlines, echoed this sentiment, citing American’s nearly century-long commitment to serving Chicago. He underscored the airline’s investment as a testament to its dedication to the city, its customers, and the local community.

did You Know? Airport construction projects frequently enough incorporate enduring design elements to reduce environmental impact. According to the Airports Council International-North America, many airports are now prioritizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction in their expansion plans.

Architectural Highlights and Project Timeline

The new terminal will cover approximately 55,000 square meters and will feature a striking design element-an notable, more than 12-meter-high atrium connecting all three levels. unique, tree-shaped structural columns will pay homage to the historic apple orchards that once covered the land where the airport now stands.

Preliminary work on Concourse D began in 2023, including the construction of temporary taxiways, a new service road, modifications to existing areas, and the addition of temporary gates in another Concourse.

Project Component	Specifications
Total Investment	$1.3 Billion
New Aircraft Gates	19 (adaptable to 9 wide-body gates)
Waiting Area Space	1,800 square meters
Concession & Circulation Space	2,700 square meters
Children’s Play Area	42 square meters

The Future of Airport Infrastructure

This project is part of a broader trend of modernization and expansion occurring at major airports worldwide. Driven by increasing passenger traffic – global passenger numbers are forecast to reach 8.5 billion by 2036 according to IATA – airports are investing heavily in infrastructure to improve efficiency, enhance passenger experience, and accommodate larger aircraft. Beyond simply adding capacity, the focus is on creating seamless, digitally-integrated travel experiences thru technologies like biometric boarding, automated baggage handling, and real-time flight data.

Frequently Asked Questions About the O’Hare Expansion

• What is the primary goal of the O’Hare Concourse D expansion? The main goal is to increase capacity, improve the passenger experience, and solidify Chicago’s position as a key global aviation hub.
• How many new gates will Concourse D add to O’Hare? Concourse D will add 19 new gates, with the flexibility to reconfigure 18 of them to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft.
• When did the preliminary work for Concourse D begin? Preliminary work began in 2023 and included the construction of temporary infrastructure to prepare for the main expansion.
• What architectural features will distinguish the new Concourse D? The terminal will feature a large atrium and unique tree-shaped structural columns as a tribute to the area’s original apple orchards.
• how is O’Hare investing in improving the passenger experience? O’Hare is adding more waiting areas,concessions,and a dedicated children’s play area to improve comfort and convenience for travelers.

What are your thoughts on the O’Hare expansion and its potential impact on air travel? How do you believe airports can best balance growth with passenger comfort and sustainability?

how will the addition of 10-14 narrow-body gates in Concourse G impact O’Hare’s ability to accommodate increasing flight volume adn domestic carrier demand?

Project Overview: O’Hare’s Expansion

Construction officially commenced on August 15th, 2025, on a new concourse at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). This ambitious project,part of the larger O’Hare 21 master plan,aims to considerably increase capacity,improve passenger experience,and solidify O’Hare’s position as a leading global transportation hub. The new concourse, tentatively designated Concourse G, represents a multi-billion dollar investment in the future of air travel in Chicago. This expansion addresses growing passenger numbers and the need for modern airport infrastructure.

Key Features of the New Concourse

The new concourse G is designed with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the planned features:

Gate Capacity: The concourse will add 10-14 new narrow-body gates, increasing overall gate availability at O’Hare. this is crucial for accommodating increased flight volume, particularly from domestic carriers.

Modern amenities: Expect upgraded passenger amenities including:

Expanded seating areas with charging stations.

Enhanced retail and dining options, featuring local Chicago businesses.

Improved accessibility features for passengers with disabilities.

State-of-the-art restrooms.

Technology Integration: The concourse will incorporate cutting-edge technology to streamline the passenger journey:

Advanced baggage handling systems.

Real-time flight information displays.

Biometric boarding options.

Free, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the concourse.

Sustainable Design: The project prioritizes sustainability with features like:

LEED certification targets.

Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.

Water conservation measures.

Use of sustainable building materials.

Construction Phases & Timeline

The development of Concourse G is being executed in several phases to minimize disruption to ongoing airport operations.

1. Phase 1 (2025-2026): Site readiness, foundation work, and initial structural construction. This phase focuses on the groundwork for the new concourse.
2. Phase 2 (2026-2027): Building construction, including the erection of the concourse structure, installation of utilities, and exterior cladding.
3. Phase 3 (2027-2028): Interior build-out,including installation of passenger amenities,retail spaces,and technology systems.
4. Phase 4 (2028-2029): Final inspections, testing, and commissioning of all systems, followed by the official opening of Concourse G.

The anticipated completion date is late 2029, with partial openings possible as sections are completed. regular updates on the construction progress will be available on the Chicago Department of Aviation website.

Impact on Passengers During Construction

while the construction is underway, passengers can expect some temporary disruptions. The Chicago Department of Aviation is implementing strategies to mitigate these impacts:

Clear Signage: Enhanced signage will guide passengers through the airport during construction.

Shuttle Services: Shuttle buses will be deployed to transport passengers between terminals and concourses as needed.

Real-Time Updates: Passengers are encouraged to check the O’Hare Airport website and mobile app for real-time flight information and construction updates.

Increased Security Screening Times: Passengers shoudl arrive at the airport with ample time to navigate security checkpoints, as screening times may be longer during peak hours.

O’Hare 21: The Broader Airport Modernization Plan

Concourse G is a key component of the O’Hare 21 master plan, a comprehensive vision for the future of the airport. Other elements of O’Hare 21 include:

Terminal Expansion: Expansion of Terminal 5 to accommodate international flights.

Runway Improvements: Construction of new runways and rehabilitation of existing runways to increase capacity and reduce delays.

Transit Connectivity: improved access to the airport via public transportation, including the planned extension of the CTA Blue Line.

Cargo Facility Upgrades: Modernization of cargo facilities to support growing freight traffic.

Economic Benefits of the Expansion

The O’Hare expansion project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the city of Chicago and the surrounding region:

Job Creation: the project will create thousands of construction jobs and permanent airport positions.

Increased Tourism: Enhanced airport capacity will attract more visitors to Chicago,boosting the tourism industry.

Economic Growth: Improved air connectivity will facilitate business travel and trade, driving economic growth.

Tax Revenue: The project will generate increased tax revenue for the city and state.

Case Study: Denver International Airport’s expansion

Denver International Airport (DEN) recently completed a significant expansion project, offering valuable lessons for O’Hare. DEN