Construction crews have broken ground on Concourse D expansion at Chicago O’Hare—its first new satellite concourse in 30 years. The $1.3 billion expansion is one of the cornerstone projects in O’Hare’s long-term ORDNext plan. It adds 19 gates, new passenger amenities, and behind-the-scenes upgrades aimed at keeping flights moving efficiently through 2034.
More than just extra space, the concourse is part of Chicago’s effort to maintain O’Hare’s competitiveness worldwide while also providing travelers with a more welcoming first impression of the city. With more than 80 million passengers passing through its terminals each year, the expansion reflects both demand and the city’s commitment to staying competitive in the global aviation market.
Building a better arrival
Michael McMurray, head of the Chicago Department of Aviation, put it plainly: “By breaking ground on Concourse D, we are taking a critical first step toward enhancing how the airport welcomes and serves more than 80 million passengers each year.” Concourse D will add more than just gates. Passengers can expect over 20,000 sq ft of lounge space, 30,000 sq ft of retail and dining, and even a 450 sq ft play zone designed with families in mind. With more international travelers passing through O’Hare each year, the concourse also brings new customs areas and improved passenger screening to streamline arrivals.
Infrastructure built for the future
The new concourse is designed to be both practical and welcoming. A central atrium with a 40-foot oculus will flood the space with daylight, while slender, tree-like columns, paying tribute to the apple orchards that once stood on the site, hold up the roof without blocking views. This approach does more than add beauty; it reduces energy use by minimizing the need for artificial lighting.
Adaptability is built into the plan. Although most gates are intended for narrow-body planes, 18 of them can be reconfigured into nine larger stands for wide-body aircraft, giving O’Hare the flexibility to handle shifting traffic patterns at home and abroad. Behind the scenes, modern baggage systems and upgraded utilities are being installed to keep flights moving and minimize delays.
For Chicago-area tradespeople, Concourse D means jobs and experience. Union crews will handle everything from steel framing to mechanical installations, and the city is emphasizing local hiring and apprenticeships, allowing workers to shape the airport while earning on-the-job experience.
Crews have already cleared the site, set up temporary taxiways, and started demolition. Vertical construction is scheduled to kick off in spring 2026, with the new concourse expected to open by late 2028, years ahead of the full ORDNext plan, which runs through 2034. Staging the work this way lets O’Hare keep flights running while the new spaces take shape.
When Concourse D opens, travelers will notice an immediate difference—shorter lines, smoother connections, and a brighter, more welcoming environment. This isn’t just another terminal, it’s a long-term investment in Chicago’s role as a top international gateway.
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