New Concourse Designs Revealed For Busy Illinois Airport

Ah Chicago O'Hare, the huge international hub you are.

All of us have flown into and/or out of Chicago O'Hare at some point. If you're unlucky enough to have done it during the holiday season, my condolences.

But now a new project from Chicago O'Hare is adding on an entire concourse to the airport, which will feature more gates and less time spent sitting on the plane on the tarmac waiting for a gate to open up.

On Monday, work began on the the new Concourse D, which is south of Terminal 1, and will have 19 more gates. Architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrell are designing the new concourse in the $1.3 billion project. It's part of O'Hare's ORDnext program.

It's expected to open in 2028, according to NBC Chicago. Here are some renderings from the firm:

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The United, American, And O'Hare Lawsuit

On hand for the groundbreaking on Monday were representatives from both United Airlines and American Airlines, both of which use O'Hare as a hub.

Back in May, American Airlines sued the city of Chicago, claiming that they allowed United Airlines (which is based in Chicago) to have 6 more gates at O'Hare.

The "Air War": Airlines Battle At Busy Illinois Airport: What To Know

Meanwhile, the new Concourse D is expected to cut their heating and cooling costs in half. It will have living plants and a double-deck lounge with skyline views.

According to CNBC, Chicago O'Hare is the 8th busiest airport in the world.