Construction is underway on a significant expansion of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, with work officially commencing on , on the new announced $1.3 billion Terminal D project. The project, the first major concourse built at the airport in over three decades, signals a broader effort to increase capacity at one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs.
The new concourse will feature 19 gates designed to accommodate narrow-body aircraft, with the flexibility to reconfigure 18 of those gates into nine larger ports capable of handling wider aircraft. This adaptability is intended to allow O’Hare to respond to evolving airline needs and passenger demands. The project is being managed by a joint venture comprised of AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office released a statement highlighting the importance of the expansion. Michael McMurray, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, stated that breaking ground on Concourse D is a critical first step toward enhancing how the airport welcomes and serves more than 80 million passengers each year.
The statement underscores the city’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
The architectural design of Terminal D, created by New York City-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with assistance from Ross Barney Architects and JGMA of Chicago, and Arup of London, draws inspiration from the area’s history. The concourse’s structural design is described as tree-like
, referencing the apple orchard that previously occupied the site. This design aims to improve wayfinding for passengers and provide unobstructed views within the terminal.
The development comes as the city re-evaluates long-term plans for O’Hare’s modernization. , the city announced it would alter its construction plans, acknowledging that it cannot afford to close Terminal 2 to facilitate the construction of a massive Global Terminal by . This decision reflects the challenges of maintaining operational capacity while undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects at a major international airport.
The need for increased capacity at O’Hare is driven by sustained growth in air travel. The airport serves as a major connecting hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines, and handles a substantial volume of international and domestic flights. The expansion is intended to alleviate congestion and improve the passenger experience, particularly as the aviation industry continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent preparatory work for the new concourse has included the construction of new taxiways, roadways, and gates off Terminal C. This groundwork, completed over the past year or two, was specifically designed to facilitate the construction of Concourse D and ensure a smooth integration with the existing airport infrastructure.
The $1.3 billion investment in Terminal D represents a significant financial commitment to the future of O’Hare Airport. While the project is focused on enhancing passenger experience and increasing capacity, it also has broader economic implications for the city of Chicago and the surrounding region. The construction phase will create jobs in the construction trades across Chicago neighborhoods, contributing to local economic development.
The decision to proceed with Concourse D, while adjusting plans for the larger Global Terminal project, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to airport modernization. Balancing the need for long-term infrastructure improvements with the immediate demands of operational efficiency is a complex challenge for airport authorities worldwide. O’Hare’s approach reflects a recognition of these competing priorities.
The expansion of O’Hare is part of a wider trend of investment in airport infrastructure globally. Airports around the world are facing increasing pressure to accommodate growing passenger numbers, improve security measures, and adopt sustainable practices. The projects underway at O’Hare are indicative of the significant investments being made to meet these challenges.
The completion of Concourse D is expected to significantly improve the flow of passengers through O’Hare Airport, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience. The new gates will also provide airlines with greater flexibility to operate a wider range of aircraft, potentially leading to increased route options for passengers. The project’s success will be closely watched by other airports facing similar challenges of capacity constraints and growing demand.
