Sen. Durbin: 'O’Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel'

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Sen. Durbin: 'O’Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel'

Airports

Dick Durbin, Senator for Illinois | Facebook

By Sky Industry News

Jun 20, 2025

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois announced that new federal funding for runway extensions at O'Hare Airport will enhance national connectivity, infrastructure, and economic growth. This statement was made in a press release.

"O'Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel," said Durbin, U.S. Senator of Illinois. "This funding will modernize our infrastructure. It supports economic growth in Illinois and beyond. We are investing in safer, more efficient runways."

Recent federal infrastructure investments have prioritized major U.S. airports like Chicago O’Hare, with targeted grants aimed at reducing congestion and modernizing facilities. According to the office of Senator Tammy Duckworth, O’Hare received a $30 million federal grant to extend Runway 9R/27L. This builds on prior awards of $15.7 million and $40 million for taxiway and terminal upgrades as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, reflecting a broader push to enhance airport capacity nationwide.

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According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, O’Hare International Airport processed over 80 million passengers in 2024, marking an 8.3% year-over-year increase and making it one of the busiest airports in North America. The airport also generates around $300 billion in annual cargo value, underscoring its central role in both passenger travel and freight logistics for the region.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that since 2022, the Airport Infrastructure Grant program has allocated $14.5 billion for projects nationwide, including $2.39 billion to major hubs like O’Hare. In 2024 alone, $427 million was awarded across 245 airport grants, with recent years seeing over $566 million dedicated to runway and safety improvements at key U.S. airports.

Durbin has represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate since 1997 and currently serves as Senate Democratic Whip. According to his official biography, he sits on the Judiciary, Appropriations, Agriculture, and Transportation committees and is known for championing infrastructure funding, including key aviation and airport modernization projects in Illinois.

According to the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), the State of Illinois oversees O’Hare’s management and infrastructure planning through the CDA and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The state plays a key role in airport operations, economic development, and planning through initiatives like the O’Hare Modernization Act and National Airspace System participation.