Behind the Scenes of O’hare’s Terminal 5 Renovations

ONE OF THE LARGEST AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS in North America is underway at Chicago O’hare International Airport, as the 30-year-old Terminal 5 updates to a world-class facility that will serve both international and domestic passengers. From day one, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has focused on building the airport of the future for Chicago, and this capital development creates thousands of local jobs and hundreds of business opportunities for firms of all sizes, many certified as women-owned and/or minority-owned business enterprises.

The $1 billion investment expands and modernizes the facilities and adds approximately 350,000 square feet. The work includes new security checkpoints, 10 new gates, a 66 percent increase in concessions and amenity space, and a new baggage handling system. The airport also started work on a new six-story parking garage to replace the Terminal 5 surface parking lot when it opens in 2024.

As the building gets closer to completion, the Chicago Department of Aviation, which manages O’hare and Midway International Airports, is focused on the world-class amenities travelers expect. This includes the recent approval of eight additional exciting concessions locations and new gate-side food delivery throughout the entire airport. The CDA also works with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on a $3.5 million acquisition of public art by Chicago artists, the largest such procurement by the city in 30 years.

Terminal 5 improvements are part of O’hare 21, Chicago’s vision for a modern airport to meet the needs of the traveling public through the 21st century and beyond. The $8.5 billion curb-to-gate investment will elevate the passenger experience and improve operational efficiencies to ensure O’hare’s continued growth and strong competitive position in the years to come.

O’hare 21 began with the final stages of the O’hare Modernization Program, which reconfigured and modernized the airport’s airfield. With eight runways, O’hare now operates the world’s most capable civilian runway system and is ready to renovate the airport’s terminal facilities to match the swagger of its airfield.

The initiative is anchored by O’hare Global Terminal, a $2.2 billion investment that will more than double the amount of space in Terminal 2. Additional upgrades at two new satellite terminals will provide expanded gate space to minimize ground delays and maximize the passenger experience.

The project will open in phases over the next decade, with the upgraded Terminal 5 coming in the next year. Learn more about how the nation’s best airport is rethinking itself at ord21.com.