O'Hare turf war: United and American clash over gates
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Travelers at O'Hare International Airport in late 2024. Photo: Vincent Alban/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A good old-fashioned turf war is brewing between two major airlines at Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
Why it matters: The feud between American Airlines and United Airlines could affect how the airport looks and feels.
The latest: American filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Department of Aviation to keep O'Hare from granting United six additional gates.
- American claims the city broke a 2018 agreement that prohibits giving airlines additional gates until 2027. The company says it gives United an unfair advantage and blocks them from expanding at the airport. The suit alleges, "United's long-term plan for O'Hare envisions no place for American."
- They also list United in their suit, which led United to file a motion asking the court to remove them.
What they're saying: "It's clear that American has been neglecting Chicago for years and this meritless attempt to stop the City's process from moving forward is merely a last-ditch effort to compensate for American's well-documented lack of investment in their customers, O'Hare airport and the Chicago community," United president Brett Hart wrote in a letter to staff obtained by Axios.
State of play: United Airlines is headquartered in Chicago and uses O'Hare as its major hub. It has its own terminal and its name is on a stadium. It has created a new advertising campaign to solidify its local roots.
- United currently operates 88 gates.
The other side: American also uses O'Hare as a major hub, even though its headquarters are in Fort Worth, Texas. On Tuesday, it added several more direct flights to warm-weather destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, while also looking to add up to 25% more flights this summer.
- It currently operate 71 gates.
- "American Airlines has a long history of serving Chicago at O'Hare International Airport," the airline said in a statement. "This action represents our dedication to Chicago — our local customers, ORD team members and the Chicagoland communities we serve. It means we're enforcing the agreement that we made in 2018 so that we can better serve Chicago."
- "We are asking the CDA to do the same to ensure the balance of the only dual-hub in the nation remains intact and Chicagoans continue to benefit from competition."
The intrigue: Both airlines can point to O'Hare's modernization plan as proof of their stake in the future of one of the largest airports in the country. Both are investing to renovate the airport, which could become even more expensive as materials like steel and aluminum are hit by tariffs.
What we're watching: The city won't comment on pending litigation, so it's unclear if this lawsuit will settle out of court.