Take two: Buoyed by O’Hare gate purchase, American promises more destinations

American Airlines is rebounding after losing four gates at O’Hare International Airport to rival United Airlines in October.

The airline announced Tuesday it acquired two gates that will be located in Terminal 3’s G Concourse. The gates most recently were used by Spirit Airlines, which in August announced a bankruptcy filing.

“This is more than an investment — it’s a symbol of what’s to come,” American Vice Chair Steve Johnson said in a statement.

“We are rebuilding our Chicago hub with a strategy that reflects the resilience that defines the Second City,” he continued. “It’s an approach that not only strengthens our network but improves the entire travel journey, deepens our roots in the community and positions American as the preferred airline at O’Hare — second to none.”

The earlier gate shuffle by the Chicago Department of Aviation was based on flight activity. United gained five gates as a result.

American challenged the decision in court, arguing it would impinge on arrivals and departures and violated a 2018 agreement with the city.

The CDA responded that it was allocating the gates more effectively to keep O’Hare competitive, foster growth and give passengers more choices.

The new acquisitions offset losses and “pave the way for new destinations from Chicago,” American officials said, noting the carrier expanded to 26 markets in 2025.

“The agreement between American Airlines and Spirit Airlines to reassign the lease of two gates on Concourse G at O’Hare International Airport reflects the continued and growing demand to fly through O’Hare,” CDA Commissioner Mike McMurray noted Wednesday.

It enables “American to expand its flight schedule and offer more options for Chicago travelers, while positioning Spirit to sustain its affordable service to popular leisure destinations across the country,” he added.

The ongoing rivalry between United and American has surged this year with both rolling out additional stops. A few weeks after securing the gates, United announced it was adding 10 U.S. destinations to its O’Hare roster.

Spirit, which marked its 25th year at O’Hare in October, told customers the restructuring would position the discount carrier “for long-term success.”

That means focusing on key markets, reducing its fleet, and offering three different fare brackets, officials explained.