O’Hare offers first look at new $1.3B Concourse D

Travelers soon can explore O’Hare Airport’s upcoming Concourse D through a new video tour on YouTube. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the $1.3 billion project adds 19 gates south of Concourse C. Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray unveiled the animation earlier this month at the City Club of Chicago.

The nearly two-minute video shows a bright, multi-level space. It highlights retail, dining, greenery, and tree-like columns. These elements nod to the orchards that once covered the land, tying to O’Hare’s ORD code from Orchard Field, says the Sun-Times.

Design brings nature and light indoors

“These sculptural elements open sight lines and support a curved roof, designed to bring daylight deep into the building,” the video’s narrator says, as reported by Block Club Chicago.

Passengers will find zones for rest, shopping and play. A floating walkway serves international travelers, the Sun-Times reports. At the south end, views frame the Chicago skyline and airfield.

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While ground broke last year on the project, completion comes in late 2028, according to the Sun-Times. Each gate handles two narrow-body or one wide-body aircraft, boosting capacity.

“We’re proud to bring this new, welcoming gateway to the people of Chicago,” McMurray said Thursday, according to Block Club.

Concourse D anchors the $8.2 billion ORDNext project, which reimagines O’Hare’s core with Concourse E, a global terminal and tunnels, reports Block Club. The plan adds 14% more gates.