United and American escalate competition at Chicago O’Hare as gate access, profits, and hub strategy collide in 2026.
American Airlines Chicago Revamp
American Airlines boosts Chicago O’Hare schedule with 100 more daily flights and extended European service for spring travel.
American Airlines (AA) buys 2 Spirit Airlines (NK) gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for $30 million, becoming the first carrier to acquire Spirit assets in its second bankruptcy.
United (UA) and American Airlines (AA) expressed their support for the plan proposed by the Chicago city earlier in April to alter the construction sequence for a new Global Terminal and two adjacent satellite concourses at O’hare Airport.