Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has officially broken ground on its New Concourse D, a monumental $1.3 billion project that marks the first major step in the airport’s ambitious terminal expansion. Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside airline executives and government officials, launched the construction, heralding a new era for one of the world’s busiest travel hubs. This transformative development is the cornerstone of the ORDNext program. It is designed to dramatically enhance the passenger experience and solidify Chicago’s position as a premier global gateway. Consequently, this initial phase sets the stage for a complete reimagining of the airport, promising to deliver world-class facilities and boost the region’s most powerful economic engine for decades to come.
A Glimpse into a World-Class Travel Experience
The New Concourse D is poised to be an architectural marvel, fundamentally changing how travelers interact with the airport. The 590,000-square-foot facility will feature 19 new gates, with the clever flexibility to convert 18 of them into nine larger gates for wide-body aircraft, improving international connections. Furthermore, the interior design, led by the renowned Chicago firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), focuses on light and space. A stunning 40-foot-high atrium with a central oculus will flood the concourse with natural light, while unique “tree-like” structural columns pay homage to the apple orchard that once occupied the land. In addition, the concourse will boast over 50,000 square feet of lounge and commercial space. This will ensure a comfortable and engaging journey for millions of passengers.
More Than a Concourse: The ORDNext Vision
While the New Concourse D is a massive undertaking, it is ultimately just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The project is the first of two new satellite concourses and serves as the catalyst for the broader O’Hare 21 capital program, an $8.2 billion plan to overhaul the entire airport. Furthermore, this bold vision includes replacing the aging Terminal 2 with a state-of-the-art O’Hare Global Terminal. Additionally, building a second satellite concourse (Concourse E), and constructing a new underground tunnel to seamlessly connect the expanded facilities. Together, these initiatives will increase gate capacity and streamline operations. Additionally, creating a more intuitive and efficient airport for both domestic and international travelers.
Driving Economic Growth and Setting Timelines
The economic impact of this expansion is already being felt across the city. The New Concourse D and its associated infrastructure projects are projected to create over 3,800 construction jobs. This provides a significant boost to the local workforce. Mayor Johnson’s administration has also emphasized inclusive growth, achieving a combined minority- and women-owned business participation rate of 37% for the O’Hare 21 program. With major demolition and excavation now underway, vertical construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026. The entire concourse is on a clear path for completion by late 2028, marking a tangible and exciting milestone in Chicago’s aviation future.
Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport Project Factsheet
Project & Cost: The groundbreaking is for the New Concourse D, a $1.3 billion project at O’Hare International Airport.
Broader Vision: It’s the first major step in the $8.2 billion O’Hare 21 capital program, also known as ORDNext.
Project Leadership: The project is spearheaded by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).
Design Team: The architectural design is led by the renowned Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
Completion Timeline: The New Concourse D is scheduled for completion in late 2028.
Construction Milestone: Following initial site work, major vertical construction is set to begin in the spring of 2026.
Gate Capacity: The concourse will add 19 new gates for narrow-body aircraft, with the flexibility to accommodate nine wide-body planes.
Economic Impact: The development is expected to create over 3,800 construction jobs.
Future Expansion: This is the first of two new satellite concourses; future plans include a new O’Hare Global Terminal and a second satellite, Concourse E.
Diversity Commitment: The overarching O’Hare 21 program has achieved a 37% participation rate from minority- and women-owned businesses.
