O’Hare International Airport celebrated the grand opening of the new eastern extension of Terminal 5, which is a major part of their $1.3 billion multi-year investment to expand and modernize the gateway.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) joined in the celebration last week, a significant milestone for the airport.
“O’Hare is a significant economic engine for our entire region and the first impression of Chicago for millions of visitors every year,” Mayor Lightfoot said in an official statement (h/t BreakingTravelNews).
“That’s why we are especially proud to cut the ribbon to this expanded, modernized Terminal 5, which represents a major milestone in O’Hare’s curb-to-gate transformation into one of the great airports of the 21st century under the O’Hare 21 capital improvement program. Importantly, this project will also build on my administration’s and CDA’s ongoing commitment and efforts to create equitable, economic opportunities for Black and Brown residents, businesses, and construction and development firms.”
The expanded and renovated areas of Terminal 5 will also be home to a wide array of new concessions.
“With new gates, increased passenger amenities, a more efficient baggage handling system, and expanded security checkpoints and customs facilities, the state-of-the-art Terminal 5 of today is equipped to handle the growing demand we expect O’Hare to see in the coming years while offering an improved passenger experience,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee added. “These crucial infrastructure investments will ensure that O’Hare maintains the capacity it needs to move forward with other O’Hare 21 work with minimal impact to operations.”
