United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby vowed to block American Airlines (AA) from gaining more gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in 2026. Kirby stated the company is "drawing a line in the sand" at the hub.
The comments, made during an earnings call, signal an intensified rivalry at the crucial hub. United reported a $500 million profit at ORD in 2025.
American Airlines responded on January 22, 2026. AA called Kirby’s claims about its Chicago performance "inconsistent" and "unsubstantiated."
This public exchange follows AA's recent expansion moves at O'Hare. The dispute sets the stage for a potential capacity fight between the two legacy carriers.