Chicago O'Hare Airport's $8.8bn ORDNext
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is undergoing its largest terminal expansion ever through the ORDNext program.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is in the midst of its largest terminal expansion in history. The work, part of the ORDNext program, aims to handle growing passenger demand and strengthen the city's position as a global hub for commerce and travel, according to a report from Passageiro de Primeira.
The ORDNext initiative is the next phase of the broader O'Hare 21 plan. With construction already underway, the program promises a complete transformation. It will build 43 new gates and create a new Global Terminal. All new facilities are scheduled for completion by 2034.
New Concourse D Details
Designed by the Chicago architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in partnership with Ross Barney Architects, JGMA, and Arup, the new Concourse D will initially be an extension of the existing Concourse C. Its structural tree-like design, inspired by the airport's original 'Orchard Field' name, aims to create column-free spaces for better passenger flow.
When finished in late 2028, Concourse D will feature 19 new gates designed for narrow-body aircraft. A key feature is flexibility: 18 of these gates can be converted into nine larger gates to accommodate wide-body planes. The concourse will also include substantial new amenities for travelers.
| Feature | Area |
|---|---|
| Lounge Space | More than 1,858 square meters |
| Retail and Commercial Space | 2,787 square meters |
| Children's Play Area | 42 square meters |
Concourse E and the Global Terminal
Located west of Concourse D, Concourse E will be connected to it via a tunnel. Also designed by SOM, the multi-level, approximately 42,735-square-meter space is described as modern and inspired by Chicago's architecture. Construction of its first phase is slated to begin in late 2026.
The first 14 gates are scheduled to open in 2030, with the full concourse of 24 narrow-body gates completed by 2034. These gates will expand connectivity for both domestic and some international flights.
The centerpiece of ORDNext is the O'Hare Global Terminal. This new international facility will effectively double the size of the current Terminal 2. It is being coordinated by Studio ORD and is designed to be flexible, serving both domestic and international travelers. Construction is expected to start in 2029, with an opening planned for 2023.
O'Hare's Traffic Status
The report notes that in 2026, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced O'Hare had regained its position as the world's busiest airport. The claim is attributed to data from Airports Council International (ACI) World. The airport reportedly recorded 860,015 aircraft operations in 2025. That figure represents a 10.8% increase over 2024. It equates to a takeoff or landing every 37 seconds throughout the year.
