United Airlines anticipates more O’Hare gates, flights after departure surge

United Airlines is expecting to land more gates at O’Hare International Airport this fall, a bonus resulting from a boom in departures. “Last year, United operated 52% of total ORD departures but only had 48% of gates,” Vice President of United O’Hare hub Omar Idris told employees Tuesday in an email. “Since we have been growing at O’Hare, United expects to gain six gates.” If approved by the Chicago Department of Aviation, that would bring United’s gate total from 88 to 94. The gates would be reassigned from ones being used by other airlines and likely would be in Terminals 1 or 2, United officials explained. “We expect to get these mainline gates by Oct. 1, and will fully utilize them to grow even more, including by adding at least two new long-haul international destinations,” Idris said. The expanded footprint allows United to compete more effectively with hubs like Atlanta and Dallas Fort Worth, he noted. The airline also anticipates adding flights this summer. In July, for example, approximately 585 peak day flights are planned compared to 510 in July 2024.<br/>