The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce applauds the official groundbreaking of the new Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport, a $1.3 billion investment that marks the first major milestone in the airport’s historic terminal expansion.
“O’Hare is a pillar of our regional economy and critical to Chicago’s success, connecting businesses to markets worldwide, driving tourism, and supporting thousands of jobs. The expansion of O’Hare is an investment in our future, our workforce, and our competitiveness in the global economy. We commend the mayor, the commissioner of aviation, local leaders, and the airlines for their leadership, vision, and partnership that helped move forward this important and long-awaited milestone. By working together to modernize this vital gateway, we are strengthening Chicago’s status as the nation’s most connected city and ensuring we remain a world-class business and tourism destination for decades to come,” said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
Concourse D will add 590,000 square feet to Terminal 1, providing 19 new gates designed with flexibility for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft. The project will also feature expanded commercial space, new lounges, a family-friendly children’s play area, and an atrium filled with natural light to create a modern and welcoming environment for travelers.
As part of ORDNext, the next phase of the $8.2 billion O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan, Concourse D represents a critical step in ensuring Chicago remains competitive in a global economy that demands seamless connections, efficient infrastructure, and an elevated travel experience. The project is also expected to create more than 3,800 construction jobs, strengthening the region’s workforce and further demonstrating O’Hare’s role as one of Chicago’s most powerful economic engines.
Concourse D is scheduled to be completed in 2028, setting the stage for additional improvements including a second satellite concourse and the O’Hare Global Terminal. Together, these transformative projects will reimagine one of the world’s busiest airports for decades to come.
