This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.

United Airlines Moves to Acquire Spirit’s Remaining Chicago O’Hare Gates for $30.2 Million

United Airlines has reached an agreement to acquire two preferential-use gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from Spirit Airlines, marking another significant shift in the competitive landscape of the major midwestern hub. According to reporting by Reuters, the deal is valued at approximately $30.2 million and was disclosed in a court filing on February 4, 2026.

The transaction comes as Spirit Airlines continues to navigate its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, a process that began in August 2025. By divesting these assets, the ultra-low-cost carrier aims to generate liquidity while streamlining its operational footprint. For United Airlines, the acquisition represents a strategic reinforcement of its position at one of its most critical fortress hubs.

While the agreement has been filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, it remains subject to judicial approval. A hearing to finalize the transaction is currently scheduled for February 24, 2026.

Transaction Details and Asset Transfer

The motion filed by Spirit Airlines outlines the transfer of gates G12 and G14, both located in Terminal 3 at O’Hare. These are “preferential-use” gates, a designation that provides the leaseholder with significant control over scheduling and operations compared to common-use facilities. As noted in the court filings summarized by Reuters, United Airlines emerged as the successful bidder for these specific assets.

The purchase price of roughly $30.2 million aligns closely with recent market valuations for similar infrastructure at O’Hare. In December 2025, Spirit sold two other gates (G8 and G10) to American Airlines for a reported $30 million. This subsequent sale to United effectively concludes the liquidation of Spirit’s proprietary gate holdings at the airport.

“Spirit plans to continue flying a reduced schedule using ‘common-use’ gates…”

, Summary of court filings regarding Spirit’s operational plans

Despite the sale of its proprietary gates, Spirit Airlines has indicated it will not cease operations at Chicago O’Hare. Instead, the carrier intends to transition to common-use gates managed by the airport authority, allowing it to maintain a presence in the Chicago market albeit with a reduced schedule.

Strategic Implications for United Airlines

This acquisition occurs against the backdrop of an intense “turf war” between United Airlines and American Airlines, both of which consider O’Hare a primary hub. Industry observers view United’s move as a defensive measure to prevent its rival from further expanding its footprint in Terminal 3.

United CEO Scott Kirby has previously emphasized the airline’s commitment to defending its market share in Chicago. While Kirby had earlier signaled a lack of interest in piecemeal asset acquisitions, the competitive pressure from American Airlines’ purchase of Spirit’s first set of gates likely necessitated a strategic reversal. Securing gates G12 and G14 ensures that United retains the infrastructure necessary to support its growth targets.

According to industry data, United is planning its largest-ever summer schedule at O’Hare for 2026, targeting approximately 750 daily departures. The addition of two preferential gates provides the physical capacity required to execute this high-frequency schedule efficiently.

AirPro News Analysis

The Value of Scarcity: In the context of “fortress hubs” like Chicago O’Hare, the value of a gate often exceeds its immediate book value. For United, paying a premium of $30.2 million is less about the physical jet bridge and more about blocking American Airlines from gaining two additional slots in a constrained environment. If American had acquired all four of Spirit’s gates, the balance of power in Terminal 3 could have shifted perceptibly.

Spirit’s Liquidity Focus: For Spirit, this sale is a textbook Chapter 11 maneuver. By converting fixed assets into cash ($60.2 million total from both O’Hare sales), the airline improves its balance sheet while shifting to a variable-cost model using common-use gates. This allows Spirit to keep the “dot on the map” for its route network without the heavy overhead of exclusive gate leases it can no longer fully utilize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spirit Airlines leaving Chicago O’Hare?
No. While Spirit is selling its exclusive gates, it plans to continue serving O’Hare using common-use gates shared with other airlines.

Why did United Airlines buy these gates?
United acquired the gates to support its expanded 2026 summer schedule and to prevent its primary competitor, American Airlines, from acquiring further capacity at the airport.

When will the deal be finalized?
The transaction is pending court approval. A bankruptcy court hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2026, to approve the sale.

How much did United pay for the gates?
The deal is valued at approximately $30.2 million.

Sources: Reuters, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Filings (Southern District of New York)