United Airlines Secures Spirit's Final Gates at Chicago O'Hare

Acquisition intensifies hub battle between United and American at one of the nation's busiest airports.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:55pm

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United Airlines has agreed to acquire the remaining two preferential use gates at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) from Spirit Airlines for $30.2 million. The deal, disclosed in bankruptcy court filings, involves gates G12 and G14 in Terminal 3 and follows Spirit's ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The move highlights the fierce competition between United and American at O'Hare, one of the nation's busiest and most slot-constrained airports.

Why it matters

Gate access remains critical at ORD, directly influencing an airline's ability to add flights and attract high-yield business passengers. United's expanded control of Terminal 3 gates strengthens its hub dominance, potentially pressuring American's recovery efforts in Chicago. This latest transaction underscores the broader industry dynamics, where bankruptcies enable asset redistribution and legacy carriers protect turf in key markets.

The details

United outbid another major carrier for the gates, with filings describing United's offer as the 'highest and best combination of price and operational fit.' A court hearing to approve the transfer is scheduled for February 24, 2026. In 2025, a gate reallocation based on flight volumes resulted in United gaining five gates while American lost four. American has since pushed back, expanding its schedule and acquiring the initial Spirit gates to bolster its third-largest hub.

  • On February 4, 2026, the deal was disclosed in bankruptcy court filings.
  • In December 2025, Spirit successfully transferred two gates to American Airlines for $30 million.
  • A court hearing to approve the transfer of the remaining two gates to United is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The players

United Airlines

The dominant carrier at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with roughly 40% market share and nearly 100 gates.

Spirit Airlines

The ultra-low-cost carrier that is undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and shedding non-core assets to optimize its network and fund restructuring efforts.

American Airlines

The third-largest carrier at O'Hare, which has been expanding its schedule and acquiring gates to bolster its hub.

Scott Kirby

The CEO of United Airlines, who had previously drawn a 'line in the sand' stating the airline would not pursue Spirit's piecemeal assets, but later reversed course due to American's aggressive posture.

Chicago Department of Aviation

The agency that oversees operations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

A court hearing to approve the transfer of the remaining two gates to United is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This latest transaction underscores the broader industry dynamics, where bankruptcies enable asset redistribution and legacy carriers protect turf in key markets. Relatively scarce infrastructure is driving strategic spending, as airlines vie for gate access that directly influences their ability to add flights and attract high-yield business passengers.