Chicago, Airlines Agree To Add Gates, Revelop Terminals At O'Hare
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Emanuel says major airlines at O'Hare have agreed to build up to nine new gates, as part of expansion plans for more spots for passengers to get on and off planes.
More gates are said to be crucial to improving on-time performance.
Officials say that even with the new runways opened or under construction, only so many flights can be handled if there aren't enough places for planes to load and unload passengers.
The plan will expand Terminal 5, redevelop Terminal 2 and create space for new gates, the mayor's office said.
The first step of this program calls for expanding Terminal 5 by 25 percent to provide up to nine additional gates.
Terminal 2 would be developed into a new central terminal within the existing terminal complex.
Amenities in the new terminal could include a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, a departure hall with additional space for TSA passenger screening, concessions, and passenger amenities, the mayor's office said.
