Chicago O’Hare International Airport continues to advance its capacity and efficiency, delivering improved service for travelers flying to and from the Chicago region.
In the latter half of 2015, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Aviation announced the completion of two major projects: Runway 10R-28L and a new South Air Traffic Control Tower. Part of the O’Hare Modernization Program, Runway 10R-28L on the south airfield is the fourth new runway to open since 2008. Construction began in 2011 on the $516 million runway and its supporting taxiway system.
The runway is designed to boost traffic throughput and reduce delays in all weather conditions. Estimates show Runway 10R-28L will increase arrival capacity by about 24 percent and departure capacity by about 25 percent in good weather, with arrival capacity rising roughly 40 percent and departure capacity about 18 percent in poor weather. These gains are expected to push combined arrival and departure operations toward or beyond 100 flights per hour at peak times.
The new South Air Traffic Control Tower will oversee operations on the runway. The $41 million, 13-story tower features a 10,000-square-foot vegetated green roof and a geothermal energy system, and was designed to meet the criteria for LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Ginger S. Evans, commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation © Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Passengers and industry observers have taken note of O’Hare’s improvements. The airport earned the 2015 Global Traveler Tested Reader Survey award for Best Airport in North America for the 12th consecutive year, a recognition based on an extensive reader survey conducted in print and online.
“Thanks to the readers of Global Traveler for voting Chicago O’Hare International Airport as the best airport in North America,” said Ginger S. Evans, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. “The CDA will build on this reputation by continuing to expand air service at O’Hare and by enhancing the customer experience with new amenities, services and advanced technology.”
Inside the terminals, passengers will find new amenities such as Mother’s Rooms for private nursing, dedicated yoga rooms and an indoor service-animal relief area. Retail offerings have been expanded to include stores such as Coach and MAC, and restaurant renovations in Terminals 1 and 2 were scheduled to begin in early 2016.