American Airlines Adds 100 New Flights to Chicago O'Hare, Escalating Hub Battle

American Airlines is significantly increasing its presence at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

The Fort Worth-based carrier is adding up to 100 new daily departures starting in spring 2026. This move is a direct challenge to rival United Airlines in the highly competitive dual-hub market.

This aggressive growth plan will boost American’s peak daily departures from O’Hare to more than 500. This represents a substantial 30% increase in capacity compared to the previous year. The expansion solidifies O’Hare as American’s third-largest hub overall.

American Airlines' ORD Expansion: A Competitive Stance

The added flights will serve over 75 destinations, timed just before the busy spring break travel season. New and increased services include popular leisure markets. These destinations include Las Vegas, Panama City, and Sarasota, Florida.

American is also increasing service between O’Hare and its main hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The airline is enhancing its product offering at O’Hare as well. It is the only carrier to offer premium seating on every flight from the hub. This is due to replacing smaller aircraft with dual-class regional jets. These jets also feature Wi-Fi service, mimicking mainline aircraft design.

The Chicago Hub Battle

O’Hare is one of the largest dual-hub airports in the United States. Both American and United dominate the market share. Recent data highlights the competitive gap American is working to close.

United offered more than 3.8 million seats from O’Hare this month. American offered more than 2.7 million available seats, according to data from Diio by Cirium.

American’s expansion follows a recent turf war over gate access. United won a legal battle to secure more gates at the busy hub. American quickly responded by purchasing two gates from Spirit Airlines for $30 million.

American executives have stated their commitment to this hub. “We’re committed to rebuilding our Chicago hub to be stronger and more compelling for our customers,” said Steve Johnson. He is American’s vice chair and chief strategy officer.

Operational Overhaul at DFW International Airport

Simultaneously, American is making major investments in its central hub at DFW International Airport. These operational changes are designed to improve reliability across its network. The airline is preparing for its centennial celebration next year.

Shifting to a 13-Bank Structure

Starting in April, American will fundamentally change its DFW operation. It is switching from a 9-bank structure to a 13-bank structure. Bank structures coordinate large groups of arrivals and departures. This allows for better connections.

This shift will spread flights more evenly throughout the day. It aims to reduce congestion and improve operational resilience. The change should also reduce the concentration of very short connection times. This provides customers with greater confidence in their journey.

Furthermore, the airline is adding “block time” across its network. Block time is the scheduled gate-to-gate duration. This investment is expected to help ensure more on-time departures. It should also reduce system-wide delays, according to the airline.

The $4 Billion Terminal F Project

The operational improvements coincide with a major infrastructure project. American is investing approximately $4 billion into the new Terminal F at DFW.

Terminal F is DFW’s sixth terminal. It will be operated exclusively by American Airlines. The new plan expands the terminal to 31 gates, more than doubling the original scope. It will feature its own ticketing and baggage claim areas.

This “crown-jewel” project, along with pier extensions at Terminals A and C, is part of American’s strategy. The goal is to create what could become the largest single-airline hub in the world. The FAA will oversee the new operational flows. This ensures safety and efficiency in the newly optimized airspace.

American’s dual strategy involves aggressive growth at ORD and operational optimization at DFW. This positions the carrier for a more stable and competitive future. Read more commercial aviation news about airline network strategies and hub development.