New U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility Groundbreaking at Chicago Executive Airport

On Nov. 19, the Chicago Executive Airport (CEA) board of directors and staff held a groundbreaking ceremony for the start of construction for the new U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. The $3 million building will serve as a modern, standalone facility for customs officers to clear incoming aircraft and passengers. Located at the south end of the airfield off Palatine Road, the new facility will be built on the former site of Hangar 4 which was demolished earlier in the year. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the largest federal law enforcement agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is the country’s primary border control organization. CBP currently clears international passengers from Hangar 41. 

“This new facility allows Chicago Executive Airport to continue to provide international operations to our passengers in a compliant, professional and comfortable environment,” said Jamie Abbott, the airport’s executive director. “The construction of the facility also demonstrates the airport’s ongoing investment in infrastructure which supports Chicago Executive’s almost $400 Million annual economic impact to the Village of Wheeling, the City of Prospect Heights, and our entire community.” 

The new 3,400 square foot facility will include modern passenger processing areas and provides CBP officers the most advanced working environment. The secure processing and detention areas will supplement advanced DHS operational support and IT equipment. A new apron is planned for the airside and new parking lot for the landside. The facility is scheduled to open late-summer 2021.