Chicago Breaks Ground on $1.3B O’Hare Expansion

Chicago has officially broken ground on a major new chapter for O’Hare International Airport: the construction of Concourse D, a $1.3 billion project that marks the first major concourse addition since 1993. This expansion is part of the ambitious O’Hare 21 modernization program, designed to secure Chicago’s place as a leading global transportation hub. For millions of travelers who pass through O’Hare each year, the changes will mean shorter waits, more space, and a far better travel experience.

Background: Why O’Hare Needed an Upgrade

O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling more than 8 million passengers in June 2025 alone, a record-breaking number. The airport has long been a critical hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, connecting domestic and international routes. But with terminals dating back decades and growing congestion, modernization became unavoidable.

The $8.5 billion O’Hare 21 plan, launched in 2018, aims to completely reimagine the airport by the 2030s. While the new Global Terminal and revamped Terminals 3 and 5 are big pieces of the puzzle, Concourse D is the first tangible sign that the vision is becoming reality.

What Concourse D Will Bring

Concourse D will sit next to Terminal 1 and link to United’s Concourse C via an elevated pedestrian bridge. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) with local partners, it blends modern design with passenger comfort.

Here’s what travelers can expect once Concourse D opens in late 2028:

• 19 new gates, adaptable for both domestic and international flights. Eighteen gates can be converted into nine wide-body aircraft gates for long-haul routes.

• 20,000 square feet of lounge space, giving premium passengers new places to relax.

• 30,000 square feet of retail and dining, including local Chicago food options to showcase the city’s culture.

• A 450-square-foot children’s play area, recognizing that families deserve stress-free travel spaces.

• Open, light-filled interiors inspired by Midwestern rivers, with greenery and indoor gardens to soften the airport feel.

In short, the new concourse is being built not just for efficiency, but for the experience of travelers.

Economic Impact on Chicago

A $1.3 billion project doesn’t just change the way people fly—it also creates jobs and boosts the local economy. Officials estimate nearly 4,000 construction jobs will be created during the build. Beyond that, expanded capacity will draw more flights, more visitors, and more business activity to Chicago.

As Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the groundbreaking, this is about more than gates and runways—it’s about keeping Chicago competitive as a global city and ensuring O’Hare remains a gateway to the world.

Timeline of Construction

The Concourse D project will unfold in several stages:

• 2025: Groundbreaking and site preparation begin.

• Spring 2026: Vertical construction kicks off, with steel frames and structures going up.

• 2028: Concourse D opens to passengers.

• 2034: The full O’Hare 21 program—including the Global Terminal—is expected to be complete.

By 2028, travelers will already start feeling the difference, but the full vision won’t be realized until the next decade.

The Bigger Picture: O’Hare 21

Concourse D is only one piece of the massive O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan. Other major upgrades include:

• Global Terminal: A replacement for aging Terminal 2, doubling in size and integrating both domestic and international flights with modern customs and baggage systems.

• Terminal 3 renovation: A $300 million project adding more space for security, baggage handling, and new concessions.

• Terminal 5 expansion: Recently completed, adding 10 new gates and improving international flight capacity.

When complete, O’Hare will be nearly unrecognizable compared to today’s airport, offering smoother transfers and almost double the gate capacity.

Analysis: Why This Matters

This expansion is about more than convenience. It’s about positioning Chicago to thrive in the global economy. Air travel is the lifeline of modern cities, and without upgrades, O’Hare risked falling behind competitors like Atlanta, Dallas, and even international hubs like Dubai.

For passengers, the difference will be immediate: shorter lines, bigger terminals, better food, and easier connections. For Chicago’s economy, the benefits will ripple outward in the form of jobs, tourism, and business investment. And for the airlines that call O’Hare home, it strengthens their position as global leaders.

Conclusion

The $1.3 billion Concourse D expansion marks a turning point for Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. While travelers may grumble about construction delays in the short term, the long-term payoff is clear: a world-class airport experience that matches the city’s global ambitions.

As Chicagoans watch the steel and glass rise over the next few years, one thing is certain—O’Hare’s future is bigger, brighter, and more connected than ever.

Do you think O’Hare’s $1.3 billion Concourse D expansion will solve traveler frustrations—or is it just the beginning of bigger changes?