05.03.24

Durbin, Duckworth Release Statement on Airlines' Approval of O'Hare Terminal Area Project

Durbin and Duckworth applaud United and American Airlines for accepting the City of Chicago’s revised offer to move forward with TAP

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—today released the following statement regarding United and American Airlines’ approval of the City of Chicago’s revised offer to complete the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Area Project (TAP):

“After months of volleying counter-offers and facing deadlock, we are relieved that the City of Chicago and the airlines have finally come to an agreement about the future of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Project.  With both parties now in agreement, we can begin to take a major step forward on the project with a shared vision – one that allows O’Hare to not only maintain its world-class status, but to also modernize its terminals while leaving room to expand to meet the demands of travelers well into the future.”

The project will significantly expand O’Hare’s gate capacity, offering the first “global alliance hub” where domestic airlines and their international partners will be located in the same terminal.  TAP also includes plans for two satellite terminals that are essential for continuous growth and modernization at the airport.  Collectively, TAP will help expand O’Hare’s gate capacity by 25 percent, enabling the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft, improve gate access for arriving aircraft, reduce delays, enhance airline performance, and significantly improve the passenger experience. 

Under the newly-agreed upon plan, TAP will be resequenced to first build Satellite 1 and the Global Terminal, which is a renovation of the existing Terminal 2.  The Satellite 2 terminal, which will house the majority of the additional 25 percent capacity, will be constructed last.

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