Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson and aviation leaders begin construction on a new concourse at O’Hare Airport

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson attended a groundbreaking event on Monday morning for a new concourse at O’Hare International Airport.

Mayor Johnson joined Chicago aviation officials, leaders from various airlines and the architects behind the plan to break ground.

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“Today, we begin building for the future of O’Hare, the world’s gateway to Chicago and our gateway to the world,” Johnson said.

The construction of “Concourse D” is about to commence. It represents a $1.3 billion investment and marks the first satellite concourse in O’Hare’s terminal expansion.

It’s the first major new concourse at O’Hare in more than 30 years.

Officials also shared new renderings of the work Monday, showing a 40-foot tall atrium with a circular skylight showering travelers in daylight.

Planned amenities include lounge and commercial space and a children’s play area.

The concourse adds 19 gates. And while it is a significant infrastructure upgrade, Johnson says the impact goes far beyond the physical structure.

“Every visit and investment in this airport translates into jobs. We’re investing in our neighborhoods, supporting working families, and securing the future for the next generation of Chicagoans,” Mayor Johnson stated.

The mayor highlighted that Concourse D will generate over 3,800 construction jobs. Upon completion, it will cater to both narrow and wide-body aircrafts, accommodating domestic and international flights, thus maintaining Chicago’s position as the Midwest’s economic hub.

“O’Hare is critical to this city’s economy. It’s why business people are here weekly, why our hotels are full. Our downtown restaurants thrive, and large conventions succeed because O’Hare is efficient,” said 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen.

Representatives from O’Hare’s main carriers, United and American Airlines, were present as the two airlines vie for additional gates. However, Chicago’s Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray did not disclose how the 19 new gates would be distributed.

“We have an idea, but we’re still working on that. And we’ll be releasing a little bit more information on that a little bit later this fall,” McMurray said.

Concourse D is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2028.

Eventually, Terminal 2 will be demolished for construction of the new Global Terminal.

A satellite “Concourse E” will also be constructed down the road.