American Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its service at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), adding three new routes later this year. This move comes less than 24 hours after United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby publicly stated his intent to aggressively defend United's gate access at the busy Chicago hub. The new routes signal an escalating competition between the two major carriers for market share and gate allocations at O'Hare.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines adds three new routes from Chicago O'Hare.
- New routes include Allentown, Columbia, and Kahului, directly competing with United.
- American also adds two transcontinental routes from Los Angeles, targeting United's exclusive markets.
- The expansion follows United CEO's pledge to prevent American from gaining more gates at ORD.
- Passengers may benefit from increased competition and potentially lower fares.
The Escalating Battle for Chicago O'Hare
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has long been a critical hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. Data indicates that United currently holds approximately 50% of the weekly flight capacity at ORD, while American accounts for just over 30%. Both airlines view Chicago as a highly lucrative market and are actively seeking to expand their presence.
The core of this competition revolves around gate allocation. Gates at O'Hare are assigned annually, based on the volume of flights an airline operates. Last year, United gained five additional gates, while American lost four. American challenged this decision in court but was unsuccessful. However, it managed to mitigate some of its losses by acquiring two gates from Spirit Airlines in December.
"In 2026, we are drawing a line in the sand. We are not going to allow them [American Airlines] to win a single gate at our expense. We are going to add as many flights as are required to keep our gate count the same in Chicago."
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby made his intentions clear during the company's 2025 fourth-quarter earnings call. He vowed to add "as many flights as are required" to prevent American from securing more gates in the upcoming 2026 allocation.
O'Hare Market Share
- United Airlines: Approximately 50% of weekly capacity
- American Airlines: Just over 30% of weekly capacity
- United reportedly earned $500 million in Chicago last year.
American's Direct Response with New Routes
American Airlines' announcement came less than 24 hours after Kirby's statement, positioning it as a direct counter-move. The airline will introduce three new routes from Chicago O'Hare, intensifying the competition.
New Midwest and East Coast Connections
Starting May 21, American will launch twice-daily flights to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, South Carolina. Both routes will utilize Embraer 170 regional aircraft. United Airlines currently serves both destinations exclusively, with 2-3 daily flights using E170s and CRJ-500s. This move introduces direct competition for travelers from these secondary cities.
Understanding Gate Allocation
Gate allocation at major airports like O'Hare is a crucial factor for airline growth. It determines how many flights an airline can operate and its ability to expand its network. The annual reallocation process, often based on flight volume, can lead to intense competition between carriers.
Hawaiian Expansion from Chicago
Later in the year, American Airlines will add a seasonal, daily service to Kahului, Hawaii, beginning December 17. This route will use a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. United also operates this route exclusively with a Boeing 787-10. Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of network planning, highlighted the popularity of Kahului for winter travelers.
"Kahului is one of the most-visited leisure destinations for Chicagoans in winter, and American’s nonstop service will offer Flagship Business with lie-flat seats, and Premium Economy choices for customers looking for premium seat options."
Expanding Beyond Chicago: A Broader Challenge
American Airlines is not limiting its expansion to Chicago. In an additional move aimed at United, the carrier announced new transcontinental services from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting April 7.
These new routes will connect Los Angeles to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. Both destinations are significant for United, with Cleveland serving as a Midwest focus city and Washington Dulles as a major East Coast hub. United has exclusively served these routes from LAX until now, making American's entry a direct challenge in another shared hub.
The airline will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft for these new Los Angeles services, operating daily flights.
American Airlines New Routes
- Chicago to Allentown, PA: Starts May 21, 2x Daily, Embraer E170
- Chicago to Columbia, SC: Starts May 21, 2x Daily, Embraer E170
- Chicago to Kahului, HI: Starts December 17, Daily, Boeing 787-8
- Los Angeles to Cleveland, OH: Starts April 7, Daily, Boeing 737-800
- Los Angeles to Washington D.C. (Dulles): Starts April 7, Daily, Boeing 737-800
Implications for Travelers and the Industry
The renewed rivalry between American and United, particularly at O'Hare, has historical roots dating back to the 1980s. The competition intensified after Scott Kirby joined United in 2016 from American. United's quicker recovery at ORD post-pandemic, focusing on its larger network, gave it a temporary advantage, boasting nearly 100 gates and a 50% market share.
American, however, believes there is sufficient market demand for two large carriers to operate profitably. Its extensive narrowbody fleet, which exceeds United's by over 100 aircraft when combining mainline and regional fleets, provides significant flexibility to add routes and increase flight numbers. This strategy directly supports its bid for more gates at O'Hare.
For passengers, this turf war could bring significant benefits. Increased competition often leads to more choices, better services, and potentially lower airfares. While airports where United dominates, such as Washington D.C. and San Francisco, are known for higher ticket prices, the competition at O'Hare has already contributed to a 3.8% decrease in average ticket prices last year. This trend is expected to continue if the rivalry intensifies, making air travel more affordable for those flying to or through Chicago.
Passenger Benefits
- Increased flight options and destinations.
- Potential for lower ticket prices due to competition.
- Enhanced service offerings from both airlines.
