Carrier ramps up competition with United Airlines through major capacity expansion and strategic infrastructure investment at Chicago O’Hare hub.
American Airlines is mounting its most aggressive expansion yet at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, adding 168 daily flights and purchasing gates from a struggling rival as it intensifies competition with United Airlines at the nation’s second-busiest airport by aircraft movements.
The carrier plans to operate 936 daily flights from O’Hare during the first half of this year, a 22% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The expansion represents 168,419 total movements through June, up from 138,193 movements during the first half of last year.
The capacity surge comes alongside American’s $30 million gate acquisition from Spirit Airlines, a deal that provides crucial infrastructure to support the expanded schedule. United Airlines, which still accounts for more than 40% of all operations at O’Hare, has also secured four additional gates this year, with a fifth expected soon.
American’s growth strategy includes launching 19 new or returning routes from Chicago. Destinations span domestic markets including Akron, Chattanooga, Roanoke, Erie and Lincoln, leisure spots such as Honolulu, Curaçao, St. Maarten and St. Croix, and international cities including Mexico City and San José, Costa Rica.
The carrier’s busiest route from O’Hare remains Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with 12 daily flights, totaling 2,176 one-way flights in the first half. New York’s LaGuardia Airport ranks second with 10 daily flights, while Miami International Airport follows with nine daily departures. Additional frequent service includes Charlotte, Phoenix, Boston, Los Angeles, Washington National, Philadelphia and Columbus.
On the Dallas route, American faces competition from Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United. The LaGuardia route competes with Delta, Spirit, and United, while the Miami market includes Frontier beginning Feb. 13, along with Spirit and United.
Gate allocation determines the number of departures airlines can schedule at major airports, making infrastructure acquisitions critical for expansion. American’s purchase from Spirit and United’s simultaneous gate gains reflect both carriers’ commitment to strengthening their Chicago positions.
American maintained presence on all top 10 busiest domestic routes from O’Hare between January and December 2024, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data. United Airlines held similar positions on those routes during the same period.
For international service, American operated three of the busiest routes from O’Hare in 2024: London Heathrow Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Cancun International Airport. United Airlines served the same three routes.
The expansion analysis does not account for aircraft size, type, total available seats or passenger counts.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines will operate 936 daily flights from Chicago O’Hare in the first half of this year, adding 168 daily flights compared to last year’s 768.
- The carrier purchased gates from Spirit Airlines for $30 million to support its 22% capacity expansion at the airport.
- American plans to launch 19 new or returning routes from Chicago, including destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and smaller U.S. cities.
- United Airlines maintains dominance with more than 40% of O’Hare operations, while both carriers compete on the airport’s top domestic and international routes.
