American Airlines celebrates reopening of Terminal 3 gates

American Airlines was joined by Mayor Brandon Johnson, Sen. Dick Durbin, and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) last week to celebrate the reopening of Gates K1 and L2A at O’Hare International Airport, marking a major milestone in the $300 million ElevateT3 project. The modernization initiative is transforming key passenger and operational spaces that make up the front door to American’s Chicago hub. The gates, which were turned over to American in July, are now serving passengers from newly expanded gate holdrooms. Baggage claim carousels 30 through 33 have also opened for operation, introducing a more modern experience for arriving passengers.

“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,” said American Airlines Global Head of Government Affairs Steve Neuman. “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.”

ElevateT3 is modernizing Terminal 3 while the facility remains open and fully operational. The project will 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 new Admirals Club® lounge for American that doubles its existing footprint.

Construction has advanced significantly throughout Terminal 3. Structural steel and exterior glazing for the project’s expansion areas are now complete, while mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades in the terminal’s penthouse have reached the final punch-list stage.

The first phase of renovated restrooms has been completed and is now open for public use. 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 introduction of the baggage claim carousels, 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.

The future airline club space has also been turned over to American for its interior buildout, which is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027. Elsewhere in Terminal 3, major existing infrastructure is being relocated along the east side of the building to support the new terminal configuration and upgraded systems. Replacement of the terminal roof is approximately 95% complete.

The approximately $300 million project is supported by $90 million in competitive federal grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminal Program. The funding includes a $50 million grant awarded in 2023 and a $40 million grant awarded in 2024. Additional project costs are supported by previously allocated federal funding and airline rates and charges.

Construction is being led by COT3, a joint venture of Clark Construction and W.E. O’Neil. Work is proceeding in phases so Terminal 3 can remain open and operational throughout construction. ElevateT3 is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.