O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is set to become a premier global aviation hub through its $8.5 billion redevelopment, positioning Chicago as a leading gateway for international travelers.
According to the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), despite schedule adjustments, the O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan aims to transform ORD’s infrastructure by adding state-of-the-art facilities and expanded capacity to meet rising global demand. This transformation will reinforce O’Hare’s competitive edge among world-class airports in cities like London and Dubai.
The O’Hare 21 project will increase gate capacity by 25% with the construction of two satellite concourses and a Global Terminal, designed to streamline connections between international and domestic flights. The initiative is expected to generate nearly 22,000 jobs across design, construction, and related industries, emphasizing ORD’s role as a key economic driver for Chicago.
The expansion’s phased timeline anticipates completion of Satellite Concourse 1 by 2028, the Global Terminal by 2032, and the final elements, including the second concourse, by 2034.
In May, American Airlines, a key ORD partner, voiced its support for the expansion and the CDA’s phasing approach. "We are pleased to support the city’s proposal…to enhance the travel experience for our customers, improve operational efficiency, and create thousands of jobs for Chicagoans," according to an NBC 5 Chicago report. United Airlines also emphasized the importance of the Global Terminal: "The Global Terminal has always been the centerpiece…needed to ensure Chicago maintains its status as a global hub."
To maintain momentum, the CDA has launched a $1 billion bond issuance as part of a broader funding strategy that avoids taxpayer impact by leveraging airline agreements. Further supporting the redevelopment, the city has opened bidding for 21 new concessions across Terminals 1 and 3 to enhance O’Hare’s amenities with diverse dining, shopping, and duty-free options.
O’Hare International Airport covers more than 7,200 acres in Chicago. There are currently 203 gates at ORD; American Airlines and United Airlines lease 161 gates as of June 2024. The airport features numerous food and beverage locations along with newsstands and retail outlets throughout its terminals.