Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago, along with Mayor Brandon Johnson, has announced the groundbreaking for the new Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport. The project is positioned as a significant step in modernizing airport infrastructure and supporting economic growth in the region.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) commented on the importance of updating O’Hare’s facilities: “O’Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel. By improving and modernizing its infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” he said. “Today’s groundbreaking on The New Concourse D will enhance the travel experience for passengers and I will continue working on the federal level to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary resources to keep passengers safe and connected.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also highlighted O’Hare’s economic impact: “O’Hare is a critical economic engine for our state and the source of jobs for so many in our region — this historic expansion will ensure the airport continues to deliver for Illinoisans,” she stated. “The eighth-busiest airport in the world growing its gate capacity is a no-brainer for airlines, flight crews and passengers alike. I’m proud to see this project break ground and get O’Hare that much closer to making air travel smoother, safer and more reliable for the flying public.”

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), whose district includes O’Hare, remarked on the significance of expanding gate capacity: “O’Hare is Chicago’s front door for so many visitors and an engine for economic growth,” he said. “Concourse D’s new gate capacity builds on years of work to grow O’Hare and shows the strong partnership between the city and our hub carriers. It is critical that Concourse D and the entire ORDNext development plan move forward expeditiously to ensure O’Hare remains a leading global airport.”

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) emphasized intergovernmental collaboration: “O'Hare Airport is critical to driving our local economy and connecting Chicago to the global community. The New Concourse D will improve the infrastructure of our airport and provide increased passenger safety, comfort, and dependability for everyone visiting our city,” she said. “I am proud to work with an intergovernmental coalition dedicated to bringing more resources to our communities."

Alderman Matt O’Shea, Chairman of the City Council Committee on Aviation, pointed out job creation associated with this project: "As Chairman of the City Council Committee on Aviation, I am proud to partner with Mayor Johnson, Commissioner McMurray, and the CDA team to advance the next phase of growth at O’Hare," he said. "As the first major development underway through ORDNext, Concourse D will enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers and create thousands of well-paying jobs for our residents. This project reflects the City Council’s commitment to keeping Chicago at the forefront of global aviation while ensuring our economic growth is inclusive and sustainable for years to come."

Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, noted how such investments attract companies: “Concourse D is more than an airport expansion — it’s a statement about Chicago’s future,” he said. “Global companies choose cities that make bold, long-term investments in infrastructure. This transformative project strengthens our competitive edge, expands our reach and reputation as a global hub, and underscores Chicago’s commitment to creating the connections, capacity, and world-class experience that drive business, talent, and economic growth.”

Bob Reiter from Chicago Federation of Labor added that union construction jobs would be created during construction: “I am excited to see work begin on the Concourse D expansion at O’Hare, which will solidify our city and our region as an economic powerhouse,” he said. “The project will provide thousands of good union construction jobs over its length, and aid permanent job growth for our region.”

Kristen Reynolds from Choose Chicago discussed tourism impacts: “Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the transformation of O’Hare International Airport,” she stated. “As we work hard to enhance Chicago’s position in the competitive visitor economy, an investment like this is a game-changer... I want to thank Mayor Johnson, our partners at the Chicago Department of Aviation, United Airlines, and American Airlines...”

Jack Lavin from Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce emphasized business competitiveness: “O’Hare is a pillar of our regional economy... The expansion of O’Hare is an investment in our future... We commend... By working together... we are strengthening Chicago’s status as the nation’s most connected city...”

Derek Douglas from Civic Committee described how new terminals would unlock potential by increasing efficiency.

Michael Jacobson from Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association spoke about benefits for hospitality.

Representatives from AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa joint venture detailed their approach toward sustainable construction.

Otto Nichols from Clayco commented on opportunities created by past collaborations.

Nosa Ehimwenman from BOWA Construction highlighted ambitions around world-class aviation development.

This latest phase aligns with ongoing efforts by local leaders aiming to maintain O'Hare's position as one of America's most important transportation hubs through continued modernization projects.