Aerial view of Chicago O'Hare.
The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
City and airline leaders have broken ground on Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s new Concourse D, a $1.3 billion project that marks the first major milestone in the airport’s multibillion-dollar terminal expansion. The 590,000-ft.2 facility will add 19 gates, with flexibility to convert 18 into nine widebody positions. The plans also include 20,000 ft.2 of lounge space, 30,000 ft.2 of commercial space and a children’s play area. A 40-ft. atrium with skylights will anchor the design, led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with local partners. “By breaking ground on Concourse D, we are taking a critical first step toward enhancing how the airport welcomes and serves more than 80 million passengers each year," says Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray.
Finnish airport operator Finavia handled 9.9 million passengers in the six months to June 2025, up 5.5% year-on-year, as growth in international travel lifted revenue and narrowed losses. Revenue rose 13.7% to €218.7 million ($254 million), supported by higher international volumes and the acquisition of Avia Real Estate, which contributed €13.1 million. Excluding the acquisition, revenue was up 8.4%. Operating profit improved to €4.9 million from a €5.1 million loss a year earlier, although the net result remained negative at an €8.5 million loss. Passenger growth was concentrated on international routes, which carried 8 million travelers, while domestic traffic slipped slightly to 1.92 million. Cargo volumes fell 1% to 90,988 metric tons. Finavia said losses were still driven by weak volumes at smaller regional airports.
Charlotte Douglas and Raleigh-Durham airports will receive a combined $68 million in federal funding for major infrastructure projects. The grants, awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will address safety compliance and capacity growth at two of North Carolina’s busiest airports. Raleigh-Durham International Airport will receive $23 million to shift its existing paved runway by 523 ft. to meet current design and safety standards. Charlotte Douglas International Airport will receive $45 million to expand its south apron by 414,000 ft.2, providing additional space for aircraft parking and servicing.
Clark County has appointed James C. Chrisley as its next director of aviation, succeeding longtime leader Rosemary Vassiliadis, who will retire Sept. 12 after more than a decade in the role. Chrisley, a 30-year aviation executive, will oversee the county’s five-airport system, including Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, as well as Henderson Executive, North Las Vegas, Jean Sport Aviation Center and Overton-Perkins Field. Together, the system generates more than $35 billion in annual economic activity. “For the past 10 years, Jim has been my right hand—an unwavering presence during moments of challenge and triumph alike,” Vassiliadis says. “His knowledge of this airport system, his calm and thoughtful leadership style, and his dedication to public service are unmatched. I am retiring, knowing that our airports—and our future—are in the best possible hands.”
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