Spirit lines up $30.2M O’Hare gate sale to United
Spirit Airlines is seeking court approval to transfer two gates at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to United Airlines for $30.2 million, as the carrier continues to reshape its airport footprint while under bankruptcy protection.
What’s being sold
The proposed deal covers two preferential-use gates—G12 and G14—along with associated infrastructure at ORD. Spirit told the court it intends to keep flying from O’Hare (ORD) even if the transfer is approved.
Why it matters
Gate space is one of the tightest constraints at O’Hare (ORD), where incremental access can directly translate into more schedule flexibility and competitive leverage. That’s especially relevant as United and American Airlines continue to jockey for growth at the airport.
For Spirit, selling airport assets can generate meaningful cash during restructuring while still maintaining service in key markets.
Spirit’s Chicago footprint
Spirit currently links Chicago (ORD) with several major markets, including New York LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty (EWR), Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston Intercontinental (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), and Los Angeles (LAX), among others.
Bottom line
If approved, the gate transfer would hand United two more scarce O’Hare (ORD) gate positions while giving Spirit fresh proceeds during bankruptcy—without Spirit exiting the Chicago market.
