Chicago's O'Hare Airport Expansion Underway

New concourse to add 19 gates by 2028 to support narrow-body and wide-body aircraft

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is undergoing a major expansion project, with a new concourse D set to be completed by the end of 2028. The new concourse will add 19 new gates to support narrow-body aircraft, with the ability to convert 18 of them to accommodate wide-body planes as well.

Why it matters

O'Hare is a critical hub for two major airline giants, American and United, as well as being a vital transportation hub for the nation. This expansion will help the airport keep up with growing passenger demand and support the operations of these major carriers.

The details

On a frigid morning last month, workers were seen guiding a construction vehicle to lower a caisson into the ground, marking the start of the new concourse D project. The 19 new gates will support narrow-body aircraft, with the flexibility to convert 18 of them to wide-body planes as needed.

  • The new concourse D is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028.

The players

O'Hare International Airport

A major international airport located in Chicago, Illinois that serves as a critical hub for American and United Airlines.

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The takeaway

The expansion of O'Hare Airport's infrastructure is crucial to maintaining its status as a vital transportation hub for the nation, supporting the operations of major airline carriers and accommodating growing passenger demand.