Gates K1 and L2A have officially reopened at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the 300 million USD ElevateT3 modernisation project.
The initiative aims to transform key passenger and operational spaces making up the front door for American’s Chicago hub, and has thus far seen the expansion of gates K1 and L2A.
Baggage claim carousels 30 through 33 have also opened for operation, introducing an enhanced, more modern experience for arriving passengers.
A re-opening ceremony for the gates was attended by Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), American Airlines and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), and was held on Thursday 13 August.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said:When we broke ground on ElevateT3 in 2024, we set out to create a brighter, more welcoming experience for every traveler who passes through Terminal 3.
Today, that vision is becoming real. These reopened gates and new baggage claim facilities are more than construction milestones — they’re a sign of Chicago’s momentum and our commitment to building public infrastructure that works for people.
I am deeply grateful to the Federal Aviation Administration and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth for helping to secure 90 million USD for this project through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and for their continued commitment to building a world-class airport that connects Chicago to opportunity.
The Elevate T3 project, as the name implies, is seeking to modernise O’Hare’s Terminal 3 building. Works are planned to be carried out whilst open and fully operational, with the end result expected to improve passenger circulation, security screening, baggage operations, accessibility, restrooms, gate areas and building systems while adding approximately 10,000 square feet of new concessions and amenity space, including a brand-new Admirals Club lounge for American that doubles its existing footprint.
Recent ElevateT3 milestones have served to complement American’s ongoing investments at O’hare, with the past 18 months seeing the addition of 30 new destinations, including new service to Tokyo-Narita providing more options for local customers and those connecting through O’Hare.
The airline has also begun investing in areas such to improve the customer experience, introducing smoother boarding, faster check-in, free Wi-Fi sponsored by AT&T and premium options on every flight from O’Hare, including its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring Flagship Suite seats that debuted in Chicago before any other market.
American Airlines Global Head of Government Affairs Steve Neuman, said:American has proudly served Chicago for 100 years, strengthening the region through global connectivity, providing customers more choice and helping shape O’Hare into one of the world’s leading airports.
This milestone in ElevateT3 builds on American’s strong momentum as the preferred airline in Chicago and complements ongoing investments at O’Hare that strengthen our network, enhance premium offerings and deliver a more seamless and reliable travel experience.
We thank the City of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Aviation and our federal partners for their shared commitment to the future of O’Hare as we begin the next century together.
Construction has now advanced significantly throughout Terminal 3, with structural steel and exterior glazing for the project’s expansion areas now complete, whilst mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades in the terminal’s penthouse have reached the final punch-list stage.
Elsewhere, the first phase of renovated restrooms have been completed and are now open for public use, whilst a second phase of restroom construction is progressing through its final finishes, continuing the project’s work to provide cleaner, more modern and accessible facilities for passengers.
With the Terminal’s new baggage claim carousels now up and running, demolition of the former baggage claims is now underway, along with construction of a new baggage sortation room and installation of upgraded baggage-handling systems designed to improve the movement of checked luggage through the terminal.
Future airline club space has also been turned over to American for its interior buildout, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Meanwhile, major existing infrastructure is being relocated along the east side of the building to support the new terminal configuration and upgraded systems – with replacement of the terminal roof now approximately 95% complete.
CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray, said:The reopening of Gates K1 and L2A gives passengers an immediate view of what ElevateT3 will deliver: more space, modern facilities, improved accessibility and a smoother journey through the terminal.
We are grateful to American Airlines for its continued partnership and investment in Terminal 3, as well as the close coordination required to advance this complex project while keeping the terminal fully operational. Together, we are building a more welcoming, efficient and world-class experience for everyone who travels through O’Hare.
ElevateT3 first broke ground in April 2024, and represents the first major investment in Terminal 3’s existing passenger facilities in several decades. The project will include the reconfiguration of two Transportation Security Administration checkpoints into a single, more efficient screening area with space for modern equipment, as well as an expansion of the passenger corridor connecting Concourses K and L to approximately three times its previous width.
Additional improvements will include expanded waiting areas; renovated restrooms; a new family restroom; upgraded airport support spaces; and improvements to the terminal’s interior, exterior and mechanical systems.
Construction on the 300 million USD project is being led by COT3, a joint venture of Clark Construction and W.E. O’Neil, and was funded in part by competitive federal grants supplied through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminal Program.
ElevateT3 is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
