Chicago Finalizes Phased Architecture Plan for $8.5 Billion O'Hare Global Terminal Expansion

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced a comprehensive agreement with United Airlines and American Airlines establishing a phased delivery framework for the multi-billion dollar O'Hare Global Terminal (ORDNext) transformation.

Preserving Budget Integrity and Global Capacity

The phased agreement resolves multi-month contract negotiations, prioritizing construction of Satellite Concourse 1 and major ramp utility corridors while sequencing the main international terminal building to avoid debt overruns. Mayor Johnson stated that modernizing O'Hare secures Chicago’s status as North America's premier aviation gateway and generates over 25,000 regional union construction jobs.

Mayor Johnson highlighted that the compromise preserves full architectural specifications while establishing stringent contractor cost-containment caps.

Airline Coalition and Labor Endorsements

Commercial airline executives praised the phased capital schedule for preventing passenger disruptions during heavy summer travel corridors.

The Chicago Federation of Labor endorsed the project agreements, securing local workforce hiring commitments.

Construction Milestones

Heavy foundation excavation on Satellite Concourse 1 will commence in October 2026.