The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for the groundbreaking of Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport, a project valued at $1.3 billion and marking a significant step in the airport’s 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 , President and CEO of .
The new concourse will add 590,000 square feet to Terminal 1 at O’Hare. It will provide 19 additional gates that can accommodate both narrow- and wide-body aircraft. Plans also include expanded commercial space, new lounges, a children’s play area designed for families, and an atrium with natural light aimed at improving the travel experience.
This development is part of the next phase in the $8.2 billion O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan. Concourse D is intended to help Chicago maintain its competitive position by offering improved infrastructure and more efficient connections for travelers. The construction phase is expected to generate over 3,800 jobs in the region.
Completion of Concourse D is projected for 2028. Following this milestone, further upgrades are planned at O’Hare International Airport—including a second satellite concourse and the O’Hare Global Terminal—to continue modernizing one of the world’s busiest airports.