American, United reach agreement with City of Chicago on $8.5B O'Hare Airport overhaul

American Airlines and United Airlines have agreed to support a major $8.5 billion renovation of O'Hare International Airport after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson revised the construction schedule. The project includes a new Global Terminal and satellite concourses, with changes to prioritize the terminal's construction while delaying the concourses.

The agreement follows negotiations and intervention requests to the Department of Transportation by Illinois Senators and Congressional members, aiming to resolve conflicts over rising costs and project phasing. The renovation aims to enhance O'Hare's capacity and efficiency, with the new terminal set to double the space of the existing Terminal 2 and introduce modern facilities. Completion is now projected for 2032.