Travelers passing through Chicago O’Hare International Airport have no doubt noticed welcome improvements and additions that are part of a 10-year modernization plan. Work began in 2023 on Satellite Concourse 1, the first project in the O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan.
Domestic and international airline passengers will one day pass through Satellite Concourse 1. The concourse, which will add 19 gates to O’Hare, is the first of two new concourses planned by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The addition of the new gates, which will accommodate aircraft of various sizes, is meant to improve operational efficiency for the airlines, as well as decrease layover transfers for passengers traveling through the busy airport.
Construction has included temporary taxiways, a road, and three new temporary gates that opened in the spring off Concourse C. Taxiway B was also reconfigured. The goal is to offer passengers an efficient and accessible curb-to-gate experience. The completion of Satellite Concourse 1, an extension of Concourse C, is slated for 2028.
“Moving on to the next phase of O’Hare expansion has required a full force of government approach, led by my administration, from our federal leaders and legislators to the team at the Chicago Department of Aviation, and I look forward to continuing this work with our airline partners as we build the O’Hare of tomorrow together,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The mayor — who made airport improvements a priority during his first year in office — recently unveiled Satellite Concourse 1’s designs with its architects. Four Chicago-based architectural firms collaborated on the plans. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) led the design work with assistance from Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and Arup.
“The gate lounges feature column-free expanses for easy wayfinding, high ceilings to optimize views, and a daylighting strategy to help align the body’s natural rhythms — all to make the experience of air travel more pleasurable,” said Scott Duncan, design partner at SOM.
“I thank the airlines for their continued investment in the Chicago market, and for their ongoing collaboration as we work to minimize operational impacts throughout the complex construction activities that lie ahead as we further advance Satellite Concourse 1,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee noted.
Satellite Concourse 1 is the first major component of the much larger Terminal Area Plan, which includes as its chief components two new satellite concourses, a new O’Hare Global Terminal replacing Terminal 2, and an underground tunnel connecting the facilities.
Visit ORD21.com to learn more about the future developments at O’Hare Airport and follow @fly2ohare for the latest news and travel updates.
