The battle over gate allocation at Chicago O’Hare International Airport has reached a boiling point, with United Airlines and American Airlines locked in a fierce legal and operational fight. As of July 23, 2025, the City of Chicago’s decision to give United five more gates—while cutting American’s total—has set off a chain reaction affecting travelers, airline workers, and the future of competition at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Gate Reallocation Sparks Lawsuit and Flight Cuts
In June 2025, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) finalized a new gate allocation plan at O’Hare. Starting October 1, 2025, United Airlines will operate 95 gates, up from 88, while American Airlines will drop from 63 to 59 gates. This shift follows a city review of airline activity and is meant to match gate access with each carrier’s share of flights. But American Airlines quickly pushed back, filing a lawsuit in May 2025 that claims the city broke the 2018 Airlines Use and Lease Agreement (AULA). According to American, this agreement blocks any gate changes until 2027 unless certain conditions are met.
American’s legal team asked a federal court for an injunction to stop the gate transfer, warning that the move would cause “irreparable harm” to its business and to travelers. While American dropped its federal lawsuit against United Airlines on July 22, 2025, it continues to fight the city in local court, hoping to block the reallocation before the October deadline.
The dispute has already hit travelers. American Airlines announced it will cut 70 weekly departures from O’Hare, affecting routes to cities like Wilmington, El Paso, New York LaGuardia, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh. These cuts mean fewer choices for passengers and could disrupt travel plans for thousands. Despite these reductions, American says it will still operate 16.5% more weekly flights from O’Hare in August 2025 compared to the previous year, thanks to changes in its network and the addition of new destinations.
United Airlines Defends Its Gains
United Airlines, which is based in Chicago, has welcomed the city’s decision. United President Brett Hart called American’s legal efforts “meritless” and pointed to United’s heavy investment in O’Hare’s growth. Hart explained that in 2024, United handled 52% of O’Hare’s departures but only had 48% of the gates. He argues that the new allocation simply corrects this mismatch and rewards United’s commitment to the airport and the city.
United has also launched local advertising campaigns to highlight its role in Chicago and its plans for further expansion. The airline’s leadership insists that the new gates will help it serve more travelers and bring more flights to O’Hare, which benefits the city’s economy and connects Chicago to the world.
City of Chicago Cites Fair Process, Faces Criticism
The Chicago Department of Aviation has not commented on the ongoing lawsuit but stands by its process. The city says it uses a formula based on each airline’s historical activity at O’Hare to decide how many gates each carrier should get. This method, according to the CDA, ensures fairness and reflects the real needs of the airport.
However, American Airlines disputes this approach, arguing that the formula is incomplete and biased in United’s favor. American claims the city’s decision undermines the dual-hub model that has made O’Hare unique in the United States 🇺🇸, where two major airlines share a central role at a single airport.
Background: The 2018 Agreement and O’Hare’s Dual-Hub Model
The roots of this conflict go back to the 2018 Airlines Use and Lease Agreement (AULA), which set the rules for how gates are assigned at O’Hare. American Airlines says this agreement clearly blocks the city from giving extra gates to any airline before 2027, unless certain benchmarks are met. The city, however, believes it has followed the rules by using historical flight data to guide its decisions.
Both United Airlines and American Airlines have invested heavily in O’Hare’s modernization, including new gates and terminal upgrades. O’Hare stands out among U.S. airports because it serves as a major hub for both carriers, making the balance of power between them especially important for travelers and the city’s economy.
Before the 2025 reallocation, United operated 88 gates and American 63. The new plan will give United a clear edge, raising concerns about what this means for competition and consumer choice.
Stakeholders Speak Out
- United Airlines: Sees the gate reallocation as a fair correction and a reward for its growth and investment in Chicago. United’s leadership says the extra gates will help it add new flights and serve more passengers.
- American Airlines: Argues that losing gates will make it harder to compete and expand in Chicago. American warns that this could hurt travelers by reducing choices and raising fares.
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Maintains that its gate allocation process is based on data and is fair to all airlines, even as it faces criticism for favoring United.
- Travelers: Are already feeling the effects, with fewer flight options on some routes and uncertainty about future schedules.
Legal Proceedings and What’s Next
The legal fight is now focused on local court, with a key deadline looming on October 1, 2025. If the court does not block the city’s plan, United Airlines will take over the new gates, and American’s cuts will go into effect. The outcome will set a precedent for how other major U.S. airports handle gate allocation and competition between big airlines.
Some observers believe a settlement is still possible, but both sides remain firm in their positions. The city has not signaled any willingness to change course, and United is moving ahead with its expansion plans.
Policy Implications: What’s at Stake for Competition and Consumers
The gate reallocation at Chicago O’Hare International Airport has big implications for competition, fares, and service quality—not just in Chicago, but across the United States 🇺🇸.
- Reduced Competition: American Airlines warns that losing gates will allow United to dominate O’Hare, which could lead to higher fares and fewer choices for travelers. Consumer advocates agree, saying that less competition at a major hub can have ripple effects on prices and service nationwide.
- Operational Disruption: The planned flight cuts by American will affect thousands of passengers, especially those flying to smaller cities. This could make it harder for people in the Midwest to connect to other parts of the country or the world.
- Future Expansion: United’s gain in gates puts it in a strong position to add more flights and routes from O’Hare. Meanwhile, American’s ability to grow in Chicago will be limited, making it harder to compete in the long run.
- Legal Uncertainty: The ongoing lawsuit will shape how airports and airlines work together in the future. If the court sides with American, it could slow or reverse the gate changes. If the city wins, other airports may follow Chicago’s example, changing the balance of power between airlines and local governments.
Expert and Industry Views
Aviation analysts say United Airlines has a tactical advantage in this fight. United recovered quickly after the pandemic and has deep roots in Chicago, which gives it leverage with city officials. But some experts worry that the city’s actions could hurt the competitive balance that has long benefited travelers at O’Hare.
Consumer groups are also sounding the alarm. They warn that if United becomes too dominant at O’Hare, travelers could face higher prices and fewer options—not just in Chicago, but on routes across the country.
What This Means for Immigrants and International Travelers
O’Hare is a major gateway for immigrants and international travelers coming to the United States 🇺🇸. Changes in gate allocation and flight schedules can have a big impact on people who rely on the airport for family visits, work, or moving to a new country.
- Fewer Flight Options: With American Airlines cutting flights, some international routes may become less frequent or disappear altogether. This could make it harder for people to find direct flights or affordable connections.
- Longer Wait Times and Crowding: If United Airlines adds more flights without a matching increase in airport staff or facilities, travelers could face longer lines at security, customs, and immigration checkpoints.
- Uncertainty for Future Plans: People planning to move to or from Chicago may need to adjust their travel plans if their preferred airline or route is affected by the changes.
For those needing official information about airport operations, gate assignments, or travel updates, the City of Chicago Department of Aviation website provides the latest news and resources.
Looking Ahead: What Travelers Should Watch For
The next big event in this saga is the court’s decision on American Airlines’ request to block the gate transfer. This ruling, expected before October 1, 2025, will determine whether United Airlines gets the new gates and whether American’s flight cuts go ahead as planned.
Travelers should keep an eye on:
- Flight Schedules: Check with United Airlines and American Airlines for updates on routes and departures from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
- Legal News: Follow local news outlets and official statements from the city and airlines for the latest on the lawsuit and any possible settlement.
- Travel Alternatives: If your usual flight is canceled or changed, look for other airlines or airports in the region that may offer similar routes.
Possible Solutions and Steps for Affected Travelers
While the legal battle continues, there are steps travelers and affected communities can take:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check airline websites and the Chicago Department of Aviation for updates on gate assignments and flight schedules.
- Explore Other Options: If your flight is canceled, ask about rebooking on another airline or through a different airport.
- Advocate for Fairness: Consumer groups and travelers can contact city officials or join advocacy efforts to push for fair competition and more choices at O’Hare.
Broader Impact: Setting a National Example
The outcome of this dispute will not only shape the future of Chicago O’Hare International Airport but could also influence how other major airports in the United States 🇺🇸 handle competition between airlines. If the city’s approach stands, it may encourage other airports to use similar formulas for gate allocation, possibly tipping the balance in favor of one carrier over others.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing fight at O’Hare is being closely watched by airport authorities, airlines, and consumer advocates across the country. The final decision will set a precedent for how cities manage their relationships with airlines and how they balance the needs of travelers, businesses, and local economies.
Conclusion: What to Expect in the Coming Months
The gate allocation battle at Chicago O’Hare International Airport is far from over. With legal proceedings underway and both United Airlines and American Airlines digging in their heels, travelers can expect more changes and uncertainty in the months ahead.
For now, the best advice is to stay alert, check for updates, and be ready to adjust travel plans as needed. The outcome of this dispute will shape not just the future of air travel in Chicago, but also the broader landscape of airline competition and consumer choice in the United States 🇺🇸.
For official updates and resources, visit the City of Chicago Department of Aviation website. Travelers should also monitor announcements from United Airlines and American Airlines for the latest information on flights and gate assignments at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Learn Today
Gate Allocation → Process of assigning airport gates to airlines based on flight activity or agreements.
Airlines Use and Lease Agreement (AULA) → A 2018 legal contract governing gate usage between Chicago and airlines at O’Hare airport.
Injunction → A court order that temporarily stops a party from taking certain actions during litigation.
Dual-Hub Model → An airport setup where two airlines operate as major hubs sharing significant gates and routes.
Flight Departure → The scheduled time when an airplane leaves the airport for its destination.
This Article in a Nutshell
Chicago’s gate fight at O’Hare escalates as United gains five gates, reducing American’s. Legal battles, flight cuts, and competition shifts highlight this high-stakes airport dispute affecting travelers and the industry’s future.
— By VisaVerge.com
