Chicago O’Hare: Delta Moves To Renovated Terminal 5
The airline is moving away from Terminal 2 and into Terminal 5, as part of the airport's $1 billion expansion
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago O'Hare Airport
Delta Air Lines will have a new home at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as it shifts its operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5.
From October 12th, Delta will start operating from gates M2-M11. Two new carriers will move into the airline’s old gates—with United taking gates E7-E14 and Alaska Airlines occupying E15-E17. To avoid confusion, Delta staff will be posted at Terminal 2 to point passengers in the right direction during the transition period.
The move is part of the ongoing expansion and renovation of the airport’s Terminal Five, which is opening in stages until 2023.
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago O’Hare Airport
Upon completion, the terminal will have an increased gate capacity of 25%, a new baggage handling system, and improved customs and immigration facilities, among other changes. There will also be a fresh set of food and drinks vendors, including Sparrow Coffee, Hampton Social, and Butcher and the Burger.
To accommodate the expected uptick in traffic, a new parking lot is underway, which will double the available spaces for Terminal 5. However, this will not be completed until 2024, with the ongoing work restricting spaces at the existing Lot D. In the meantime, O’Hare Airport suggests that passengers of airlines operating from Terminal 5 should park in the main parking garage.
Delta may not be the only airline to find itself moving to Terminal 5, with Chicago Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee suggesting that more changes could come. “Delta’s move is the next big step in the $1 billion expansion and renovation project nearing completion at Terminal 5, where we have already opened seven new permanent gates since June,” he said.
“In the coming months, we look forward to opening additional building elements and passenger amenities to transform Terminal 5 into a state-of-the-art facility serving a mix of domestic and international passengers.”
Naturally, Delta’s move will mean that the O’Hare Delta SkyClub will also change places. Leaving its old home near Gate E6, the new lounge is between Gates M11 and M14. One of the advantages this brings is a marked size increase, with the more expansive Terminal 5 able to offer a 400-capacity space—a boost of 300.
Those flying with Delta from Chicago O’Hare between October 12th-14th will be greeted by live entertainment, which has been booked to celebrate the move.
