Big Airline Clash at Chicago O’Hare and FAA’s Plan to Cut Flights

American Airlines and United Airlines are locked in a fierce battle over gate space at Chicago O’Hare, pushing the airport to its operational limits.

The Roots of the Conflict

• American’s Loss: After the pandemic, American lost several gates because it failed to rebuild its schedule quickly enough—earlier than lease agreements would normally permit.
• American’s Counter: The carrier is fighting to retain the gates it still holds, even purchasing extra slots from Spirit Airlines.
• United’s Pushback: United aims to halt American’s expansion and is adding more of its own flights.

Summer Expansion Plans

FAA’s Intervention

• Current Traffic: Peak daily takeoffs/landings ≈3,080 vs. 2,680 last summer; FAA deems 2,800 manageable.
• Required Cut: ~280 movements per peak day (≈9 % reduction).
• Timeline:
• March 3: FAA remarks
• March 4: Formal discussions with all airlines serving O’Hare
• Process:
  1. FAA releases a 30‑minute demand picture for the day.
  2. Identifies congested periods and sets general reduction targets.
  3. Meets privately with each carrier for proposed cuts.
  4. Publishes a final order in the Federal Register specifying limits per carrier.

Impact and Expectations

• Affected Airlines: Only U.S. carriers; foreign airlines remain unchanged.
• American’s View: Praises FAA for safeguarding airfield and airspace, hoping cuts improve passenger experience.
• United’s Position: Anticipates larger cuts due to its growth outpacing American at O’Hare.
• Potential Outcome: If both airlines cut 9 %, United would lose more flights, possibly lowering fares and harming both carriers.

Targeted Cuts

• Focus on 30‑minute windows with heaviest traffic.
• Likely removal of frequent short‑haul regional jet flights:
• United’s new services to 17 destinations (regional jets).
• Only four routes use larger 737s.