Duckworth, Durbin Announce $20 Million in Federal Funding for O'Hare Airport

[CHICAGO, IL]—U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)today announced $20 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for O’Hare International Airport. This grant will reimburse completed work to extend Runway 9R/27L to reduce delays, accommodate more passengers, and allow for more aircraft operations.
“O’Hare is an essential economic hub for our state and critical transportation hub for the nation,”Duckworth said.“I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this investment of federal funding to help support critical modernization projects and runway improvements that will make travel easier, safer, faster and more reliable for folks traveling through Chicago. I’ll keep working to ensure our airports have the federal support they need.”
“As the nation’s busiest airport, O’Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel. By improving and modernizing its infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,”said Durbin.“I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary federal resources to keep passengers safe and connected.”
O’Hare was the busiest airport in the country in 2025, with 857,392 aircraft landing or taking off from the Airport. Earlier this month, Durbin and Duckworth sent aletterto FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford about the urgent need for greater FAA investment and efficiency at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, specifically requesting the full use of O’Hare’s runways.
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