Chicago, IL, December 9, 2025
American Airlines has significantly enhanced its presence at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, securing two gates from Spirit Airlines to bolster its competition against United Airlines. This $30 million acquisition, alongside a lawsuit against the City of Chicago regarding gate reallocations, highlights American’s commitment to the Chicago market. Furthermore, the airline has expanded its services by adding nine new destinations, including a nonstop service to Naples, Italy, and is set to operate 480 daily flights this summer, increasing capacity in response to competitive pressures.
Chicago, IL
American Airlines Expands Presence at Chicago O’Hare Amidst United Airlines Competition
American Airlines has recently enhanced its operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), reinforcing its commitment to the Chicago market and intensifying competition with United Airlines.
Acquisition of Spirit Airlines’ Gates
On December 8, 2025, American Airlines secured two gates at O’Hare from Spirit Airlines for $30 million. This acquisition followed Spirit’s bankruptcy filing in August 2025 and aims to bolster American’s capacity at the airport. Spirit will retain two gates at O’Hare, reducing its peak-day departures from approximately 32 to 16. The $15 million per gate price was deemed fair based on current market conditions and extensive negotiations.
Legal Action Over Gate Allocation
In May 2025, American Airlines filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, alleging a breach of the Airline Use and Lease Agreement. The dispute centers on a premature gate reallocation that would favor United Airlines, potentially disrupting the competitive balance at O’Hare. American contends that the reallocation would make it more challenging to grow its operations at the airport.
Expansion of Services and Capacity
American Airlines has been actively expanding its services at O’Hare. In 2025, the airline added nine new destinations, including Chicago’s only nonstop service to Naples, Italy. Additionally, American plans to operate up to 480 daily flights from O’Hare this summer, offering 25% more seats and 22% more departures than the previous year.
Background on O’Hare’s Competitive Landscape
O’Hare International Airport is a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines. United holds approximately 40% of the airport’s gates, while American controls around 30%. The competition between the two carriers has intensified, with United recently announcing the addition of ten new domestic destinations at O’Hare.
Impact on Chicago’s Economy
The expansion of American Airlines’ operations at O’Hare is expected to have a positive impact on Chicago’s economy. The increased capacity and new destinations will enhance connectivity and potentially lead to more competitive fares for travelers.
Conclusion
American Airlines’ recent actions at Chicago O’Hare underscore its commitment to the Chicago market and its determination to compete effectively with United Airlines. The acquisition of additional gates, legal challenges over gate allocations, and expansion of services reflect a strategic effort to strengthen its position at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
FAQ
What recent actions has American Airlines taken at Chicago O’Hare International Airport?
American Airlines has acquired two gates from Spirit Airlines for $30 million, filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago over gate reallocation, and expanded its services by adding nine new destinations and increasing daily flights.
Why did American Airlines sue the City of Chicago?
American Airlines filed a lawsuit alleging that the City of Chicago breached the Airline Use and Lease Agreement by initiating a gate reallocation that favors United Airlines, potentially disrupting the competitive balance at O’Hare.
How is American Airlines expanding its services at O’Hare?
American Airlines plans to operate up to 480 daily flights from O’Hare this summer, offering 25% more seats and 22% more departures than the previous year. Additionally, the airline has added nine new destinations, including nonstop service to Naples, Italy.
What is the competitive landscape at O’Hare International Airport?
United Airlines holds approximately 40% of O’Hare’s gates, while American Airlines controls around 30%. The competition between the two carriers has intensified, with United recently announcing the addition of ten new domestic destinations at O’Hare.
What impact will American Airlines’ expansion have on Chicago’s economy?
The expansion is expected to positively impact Chicago’s economy by enhancing connectivity and potentially leading to more competitive fares for travelers.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquisition of Gates | American Airlines purchased two gates at O’Hare from Spirit Airlines for $30 million. |
| Legal Action | American Airlines filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago over gate reallocation favoring United Airlines. |
| Service Expansion | American Airlines plans to operate up to 480 daily flights from O’Hare this summer, adding nine new destinations. |
| Competitive Landscape | United Airlines holds approximately 40% of O’Hare’s gates; American Airlines controls around 30%. |
| Economic Impact | The expansion is expected to enhance connectivity and lead to more competitive fares for travelers. |
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