American Sues Chicago Over O’Hare Gate Reallocation

American Airlines has sued the City of Chicago, claiming the city breached a 2018 lease agreement at O’Hare International Airport by initiating a gate reallocation process that could give United Airlines up to six additional gates and result in American losing as many as six. The lawsuit argues that the gate redetermination should not begin until at least April 2027, after three new gates are completed in Terminal 3, as outlined in the agreement. American contends that the city's actions unfairly favor United, Chicago’s largest carrier, and threaten to undermine competitive balance at the nation’s only dual-hub airport. The airline asserts that its presence at O’Hare supports competitive fares and benefits the local economy. City officials have not commented on the lawsuit. If the reallocation proceeds, United stands to further strengthen its dominant position at O’Hare.