Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 22, Construction has started on a $1.3bn expansion project at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, which will add a new satellite concourse, Concourse D. The project is part of the broader O’Hare 21 modernization program aimed at enhancing capacity and passenger experience at one of the busiest airports in the United States.

Concourse D will feature 19 gates designed for narrow-body aircraft, which can be reconfigured into nine gates for wide-body planes to provide flexibility for international and domestic operations. The concourse will also include 30,000 sq ft of commercial space for shops and dining, a 20,000-sq-ft lounge, and a 450-sq-ft children’s play area. At its center, a 40ft-high atrium will connect three levels of the building, with tree-like structural columns designed to evoke the apple orchards that once stood on the site.

The construction work is being led by a joint venture of Aecom Hunt, Clayco and Bowa. The design has been developed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, working with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and engineering consultancy Arup. This combination of design and construction firms reflects a collaborative approach to delivering a modern aviation facility.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the significance of the project: “To maintain Chicago’s global leadership in the 21st century, we must continue investing in O’Hare, our region’s most powerful economic engine.” According to the project timeline, vertical construction of Concourse D will begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for late 2028.

Following Concourse D, the O’Hare 21 program will advance with the development of a second satellite concourse, Concourse E, which will provide 24 gates. This expansion will further increase the airport’s capacity to handle rising passenger demand.

Another key element of the plan is the replacement of the existing Terminal 2 with the new O’Hare Global Terminal. The future terminal will serve as a central hub, streamlining passenger transfers between domestic and international flights. To support efficiency, an underground tunnel will also be constructed to allow passengers, airport personnel, and baggage systems to move seamlessly between new and existing facilities.

The expansion of O’Hare is designed not only to enhance passenger convenience but also to maintain the airport’s competitiveness within global aviation. By adding advanced infrastructure, expanded commercial areas, and improved transit connections, the airport aims to provide a modern travel experience while supporting the economic growth of the Chicago region.

With Concourse D now under construction and future projects scheduled, O’Hare International Airport is entering a new phase of development. The upgrades are expected to strengthen its role as a major hub for both domestic and international travel, ensuring the airport continues to serve millions of passengers each year with improved efficiency and comfort.