The Chicago O’Hare Airport’s expansion and modernization project advanced on Tuesday as Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Aviation revealed the design for O’Hare’s new Satellite Concourse 1.
Satellite Concourse 1 will feature new gate lounges, retail shops, seating areas, and other amenities. Notable design elements include a skylight roof and a floating walkway.
“This is a once-in-a-generation expansion,” Johnson said. “It’s an opportunity to show the bright future of the City of Chicago.”
This development marks the first major phase of the O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan, aimed at transforming the airport. The project will add 19 new gates as an extension of the existing Concourse C. United and American Airlines recently struck a deal with the city to rebuild Terminal 2, celebrating the new plans.
The multi-billion dollar project, partially funded by the airlines, is expected to create approximately 3,800 jobs. Construction began in March 2023 with the development of several temporary taxiways.
“This is right in the heart of operations for both of our carriers,” said Jamie Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. “Working directly with them to minimize operational impacts and ensure cost-effectiveness is our goal over the next several months.”
According to the project’s website, the current timeline aims for the completion of Satellite Concourse 1, an extension of Concourse C, by 2028. If the budget permits, a second satellite concourse and a tunnel connecting it with the first will also be constructed.
