O’Hare, one of the nation’s busiest airports, breaks ground on the New Concourse E

Chicago will break ground later this year on the first phase of New Concourse E at O’Hare International Airport, a move officials said will speed up the airport’s $8.8 billion ORDNext modernization program and help clear the way for the O’Hare Global Terminal. According to the City of Chicago’s announcement, the revised plan shifts work on the new concourse ahead of the terminal, while keeping the airport’s long-term expansion on track.

The first phase of New Concourse E will add 14 gates, with service expected to begin in 2030, the press release confirmed. City officials said the phased plan gives O’Hare the added capacity it needs while the Global Terminal is built in a single coordinated phase starting in 2029 and scheduled for completion in 2033.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson said, per the announcement, “By moving forward with New Concourse E this year, we are adding gates where they are needed, keeping this historic modernization moving, and creating a clear path to deliver the O’Hare Global Terminal, the centerpiece of ORDNext, as quickly as possible.”

The Chicago Department of Aviation said the new schedule is meant to stay ahead of growth at one of the nation’s busiest airports. According to the Chicago Business Journal, Concourse D, another major ORDNext project, is still on pace for completion in 2028 and will add 19 gates.

Airlines back the faster timeline

The city developed the updated sequence with O’Hare’s hub carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, the press release confirmed. United said it welcomed the plan because it brings new capacity online sooner and helps maintain efficient operations during construction.

“We’re pleased to see a path forward that brings new capacity online sooner, maintains efficient airport operations throughout construction and beyond, and enhances the experience for the millions of customers who travel through Chicago each year,” said Omar Idris, United Airlines’ vice president of O’Hare operations, according to the City of Chicago’s announcement.

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American Airlines also supported the change. “Advancing O’Hare’s Global Terminal efficiently, responsibly and as quickly as possible is a shared priority, and we thank the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation for their valued partnership,” said Amanda Zhang, American Airlines’ vice president of corporate real estate, per the press release.

When complete in 2034, New Concourse E will total 24 gates and about 460,000 square feet. The concourse will sit west of Concourse D, connect by underground tunnel to the new terminal complex, and include lounges, dining, retail, and other passenger amenities.