Chicago O'Hare International Airport has revealed new renderings for its upcoming Concourse D, marking a significant expansion for one of the world's busiest air hubs. This project represents the first major airport expansion since Terminal 5 was completed in 2023 and is a key component of the broader ORDNext initiative. Officials expect Concourse D to be fully operational by 2028.
Key Takeaways
- Concourse D is O'Hare's first major expansion since 2023.
- It will add 19 new gates, adaptable for various aircraft sizes.
- The design features 40-foot ceilings and a central 'Orchard' area.
- The project is part of the larger ORDNext modernization plan.
- O'Hare recently reclaimed its title as the nation's busiest airport.
A New Era for Air Travel at O'Hare
The new Concourse D will significantly enhance O'Hare's capacity and passenger experience. Positioned southwest of the current Concourse C, it will connect via an elevated tunnel. This tunnel will lead directly into 'The Orchard,' a large circular area designed as the concourse's central hub.
This 30,000-square-foot space will offer extensive lounge areas, a variety of restaurants and bars, retail outlets, and comfortable seating. The design draws inspiration from O'Hare's history and its original name, Orchard Field, paying homage to the airport's roots.
Quick Facts on Concourse D
- Size: 580,000 square feet
- New Gates: 19
- Lounge Space: 30,000 square feet
- Expected Completion: 2028
Flexible Gates and International Capabilities
The 580,000-square-foot structure will house 19 new gates. These gates are designed for maximum flexibility, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate various aircraft sizes. This includes wide-body planes used for long-haul international flights.
Concourse D will also manage international arrivals. It features a suspended sterile corridor. This corridor will guide arriving passengers to a new passport control center, which will be completed as part of the overall ORDNext project at a later stage.
ORDNext Project Overview
The ORDNext project is a multi-phase modernization and expansion program for O'Hare International Airport. Its goal is to increase gate capacity, improve passenger flow, and enhance the overall travel experience. Concourse D represents the first major phase of this ambitious plan.
The expansion comes at a crucial time. O'Hare recently regained its position as the busiest airport in the nation by aircraft movements, recording 857,300 total movements in 2025. This growth underscores the need for increased infrastructure.
Architectural Design Inspired by Nature
The concourse's design emphasizes openness and natural elements. It features impressive 40-foot-tall ceilings. These ceilings are supported by branching columns, which are intended to evoke the imagery of an orchard, directly referencing the airport's historical name.
The south end of the concourse will boast a large wall of windows. This feature will provide expansive views of the city to the east, allowing passengers to connect with the Chicago skyline.
"The new Concourse D is more than just an expansion; it's a reimagining of the passenger experience at O'Hare. The design elements, from the branching columns to 'The Orchard' hub, truly reflect Chicago's rich history while looking forward to its future as a global gateway."
Connecting to Future Global Terminals
Eventually, Concourse D will integrate further into O'Hare's modernized layout. An underground tunnel will connect it to the new Global Terminal and Concourse E, creating a seamless and efficient travel network.
The ORDNext project aims to increase O'Hare's overall gate capacity by 14 percent. This expansion is vital as both United and American Airlines intensify their competition for market share at the airport, with both carriers recently acquiring gates from Spirit Airlines.
Construction Progress and Upcoming Contracts
Construction on Concourse D began in early 2025. Initial work focused on site preparation, underground utilities, and tunneling. Vertical construction is expected to commence soon, with heavy equipment already present at the site.
In addition to the physical expansion, O'Hare is preparing to award the largest concessions contract in the nation this March. This contract will cover 110 commercial locations across Terminals 1 and 3, further enhancing passenger amenities and services throughout the airport complex.
The new Concourse D represents a significant step in O'Hare's ongoing transformation, promising a more modern, efficient, and enjoyable experience for millions of travelers.