DePaul study warns O'Hare falling behind other airports for terminal upgrades

Air Travel DePaul study warns O'Hare falling behind other airports for terminal upgrades A new study from DePaul University highlights how O'Hare Airport has fallen behind other big airports when it comes to updating its terminals. By Naomi Ruchim Wednesday, November 11, 2026 11:46AM Share CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new study from DePaul University highlights how O'Hare Airport has fallen behind other big airports when it comes to updating its terminals. Researchers said travelers could feel that for years. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch They looked at the country's 25 busiest airports. The study found O'Hare is the only one that has gone 25 years without building or fully redesigning a terminal or concourse with at least 20 gates or half a million square feet. Under the current plan, a second new concourse will open in phases starting in 2030. The global terminal is scheduled for 2033. In the meantime, the study said rising passenger traffic will put more pressure on the terminals O'Hare already has. READ: DePaul O'Hare Study And out on the airfield, United CEO Scott Kirby said the route to the gate can feel like a road trip. Suspect charged in Auburn Gresham home invasion, sex assault due in court 1 hour ago DePaul study warns O'Hare falling behind other airports for terminal upgrades 14 minutes ago CPD sergeant appears to die by suicide while on the job at 17th District station "It's the only airport in the country where aircraft that are taxiing can't cross runways. That's why it feels like you're driving to Milwaukee sometimes when you're going around because it's the only airport in the country that you have to go around the whole airport to get to your gate," Kirby said. SEE ALSO: United CEO urges FAA to boost staffing as O'Hare taxi times rank among nation's longest Kirby wants the FAA to increase air traffic controller staffing to help cut down on long taxi times at O'Hare, especially before the busy holiday travel season. Experts also suggest using shuttles to take passengers to planes parked away from the terminal, which could free up space at the gates and shorten taxi times. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics TRAVEL CHICAGO O'HARE AIR TRAVEL HOLIDAY TRAVEL O'HARE AIRPORT AIRPORT NEWS UNITED AIRLINES FAA O'Hare taxi times among longest in US; United CEO urges staffing boost Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane after taking off from LAX FL Learjet co-pilot's dad defends daughter's reputation after crash European air traffic targeted by several new threats after a week of hoaxes Watch Live ON NOW Suspect charged in Auburn Gresham sex assault due in court 1 hour ago CPD sergeant appears to die by suicide while on the job on NW Side Man shot to death while delivering food with dad on NW Side: family O'Hare taxi times among longest in US; United CEO urges staffing boost 'DWTS' recap: 'Grammy Night' ends with surprising elimination Cops may've missed tip on school bus driver facing child porn charges Judge rejects deportation charge against Chicago mom, nonprofit says Suburban mother released on bond after 15 months in ICE custody