Chicago officials have broken ground on Concourse D, a $1.3 billion expansion at O’Hare International Airport that marks the first new concourse in more than 30 years.

The 19-gate addition is part of the city’s O’Hare 21 modernization plan, a multibillion-dollar effort to expand capacity and upgrade passenger amenities across the airport. Concourse D will connect to United’s Concourse C with a pedestrian bridge and is expected to open in late 2028.

The new facility will feature more than 20,000 square feet of lounges, 30,000 square feet of restaurants and retail space, and a large children’s play area. Designed with skylights, wide walkways, and natural touches, the concourse aims to streamline the passenger experience and reduce congestion.

Concourse D is one of several projects in the $8.2 billion terminal overhaul. Future work includes a second satellite concourse with 24 additional gates, a new O’Hare Global Terminal to replace Terminal 2, and an underground tunnel to move passengers and baggage more efficiently. The full redevelopment is scheduled to continue into the early 2030s.

City leaders say the project will create more than 3,800 construction jobs, with a strong commitment to minority- and women-owned business participation. The expansion comes as O’Hare handles record traffic, with more than 8 million travelers in June 2025 alone, the busiest June in its history.

When complete, the concourse and broader modernization plan are expected to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and reshape the travel experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.