In 2019, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport began an $8.7 billion renovation and expansion project designed to move one of the country’s busiest airports into the future. But now, just four years, later the project is already $1.5 billion over budget, and the two major airlines involved in the project – United and American – are asking the airport to scale back the scope of the project, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Alderman Matt O’Shea, Chairman of the Chicago City Council’s Aviation Committee, blamed increased material costs since the pandemic for the huge cost overrun.
The cost overrun is on the second phase of the massive project, known as the global terminal, on which the two airlines have agreed to collaborate. Both airlines, citing the fact that air travel hasn’t returned to 2019 levels, are negotiating to scale back and slow down the project.
The overall cost of the original $8.7 billion project is now estimated to be $12.1 billion, according to Aeroxplorer.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
