City officials and state leaders broke ground on the $1.3 billion Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport on Monday, August 18.
The new concourse represents the first element of ORDNext, the current phase of the broader O’Hare 21 modernization project.
Expanded connectivity and amenities
Plans for the 590,000-square-foot concourse include 19 additional gates, along with 50,000 square feet of lounge and commercial space.
Renderings depict an emphasis on organic and functional design elements, such as a 40-foot-high atrium allowing for ample natural light.
Concourse D will boost O’Hare’s overall flight capacity and increase passenger amenities, making for a more efficient traveler experience.
One of two new wings planned under ORDNext, Concourse D will open in late 2028. Future ORDNext projects include the second Concourse E, an underground tunnel, and the launch of the O’Hare Global Terminal.
“To maintain Chicago’s global leadership in the 21st century, we must continue investing in O’Hare, our region’s most powerful economic engine,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.
“With construction now underway on The New Concourse D, my administration is committed to building upon the airport’s legacy by delivering modern, world-class facilities that will elevate the passenger experience at America’s best-connected hub.”