Chicago Plans to Construct New Concourse at O’Hare Airport

The Chicago Department of Aviation has announced plans to build a new concourse at O’Hare International Airport, known as Concourse E. This project is part of the larger ORDNext airport modernization plan, estimated to cost $8. 8 billion.

Mayor Brandon Johnson revealed that the city will begin the first phase of construction later this year. The initial phase will add 14 new gates by 2030, with the goal of supporting the construction of the O’Hare Global Terminal, a central part of the ORDNext initiative. This will allow for the completion of the terminal in a single phase by 2033. The second phase of the Concourse E project will add an additional 10 gates, bringing the total to 24 by 2034.

According to the city, the project’s timeline has been revised in collaboration with O’Hare’s hub carriers, including United and American Airlines. The new plan will expedite the completion of the Global Terminal while also increasing its size and number of gates.

“We are not waiting to build the next generation O’Hare that our residents, businesses, and visitors will need,” stated Mayor Johnson in a news release. “By moving forward with Concourse E this year, we are adding necessary gates, keeping the modernization on track, and paving the way for the timely completion of the O’Hare Global Terminal, a key component of ORDNext.

The new Concourse E will span over 460,000 square feet and will consist of multiple stories. The gates will be designed to accommodate various aircraft, including regional, narrowbody, and widebody planes serving both domestic and international routes.

The facility will also include amenities such as airline lounges, dining options, and retail spaces for passengers. It will be connected to the recently constructed Concourse D and the Global Terminal through an underground passenger tunnel.

Construction on Concourse D began approximately a year ago and is progressing as planned, according to officials. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.

In summary, the Chicago Department of Aviation is moving forward with plans to build Concourse E at O’Hare Airport, as part of the larger ORDNext modernization project. The new concourse will add much-needed gates and amenities to the airport and will support the timely completion of the O’Hare Global Terminal. Construction is set to begin later this year, with a projected completion date of 2034.