New Runway Opens at O'Hare International Airport November 5, 2020
Runway 9C/27C is scheduled to open on November 5, 2020. It is the last full runway to be built as part of the O’Hare Modernization Program. In addition to this new runway, a runway extension on the north side of the airport is scheduled for completion at the end of 2021.

Runway 9C/27C is located on the north side of O’Hare Airport and will be the sixth east/west parallel aligned runway at O’Hare. The new runway creates more balance for the airport with three parallel runways north of the terminals and three south of the terminals.
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Q. Why is O’Hare building a new runway?

A. In 2001 the City announced a major initiative to modernize the airfield at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (O’Hare). The City of Chicago’s O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) is a multi-year construction program that is anticipated to conclude by 2021 (Build-Out). Runway 9C/27C will be the first new runway commissioned at the airport since October 2015.
Q. Where is the new runway located on the airfield, and in relation to O’Hare’s surroundings?

A. On the north airfield, approximately 1,600 feet north of existing Runway 9R/27L (as measured from centerline to centerline). For reference in comparison to Chicago city streets, this runway lines up most closely with Granville Ave.
Q. What are the runway stats and what types of aircraft will use it?

A. The new runway is 11,245 feet long, 200 feet wide, and is called Runway 9C/27C (9 Center/ 27 Center). Runway 9C/27C will be an Airplane Design Group (ADG) VI runway. It will be able to accommodate all aircraft that fly today, including the B747-8 and A380.
Q. Is this the last runway project associated with the O’Hare Modernization Program?

A. Runway 9C/27C is the last of the new runways that will open as part of the O’Hare Modernization Program. Existing Runway 9R/27L is undergoing an extension of 3,293 feet that will continue into next year. Runway 9R/27L will have a total length of 11,260 feet when its extension is complete in December 2021.
Q. How and when will the new runway be utilized?

A. Runway 9C/27C will be used mostly as an arrival runway in all weather and wind conditions, and also as a departure runway when operationally necessary.

The runway will initially be used for simultaneous dual parallel approaches, and later be used for simultaneous triple parallel approaches during all weather conditions during the daytime. The new runway will also be used when operationally necessary at night during and after completion of the IFQ in January 2021.
FAA Video - Runway 9C/27 Use
This video from the FAA offers information on how the new runway will be used.
CDA: Runway 9C/27 FAQs
FAQs from the Chicago Department of Aviation explain how Runway 9C/27C fits into the larger context of the O'Hare Modernization Plan.
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Upcoming Meetings
  • ONCC General Meeting - November 6, 2020 - Zoom Teleconference, @ 8:00 a.m.
  • ONCC Technical Committee Meeting – November 17, 2020, Zoom Teleconference, @ 9:00 a.m.
  • ONCC Residential Sound Insulation Committee Meeting – November 18, 2020 – Zoom Teleconference, @ 9:30 a.m.