United Airlines continues its rapid expansion at O’Hare International Airport (ORD), with plans to add six more gates by year-end. This growth will enhance passenger operations while also increasing cargo capacity and streamlining logistics.

United currently operates 88 gates for arriving and departing aircraft at O'Hare, a crucial hub for domestic and international cargo movement.

Impact on Cargo Customers:

• In 2023, United operated 52% of total O'Hare departures but had access to only 48% of the airport’s gates, decreasing the amount of cargo shipments passing in and out of the airport.
• The 2018 use and lease agreement governing O'Hare includes a “use it or lose it” provision that reallocates gates based on an airline’s previous year’s flight activity. This year marks the first time the gate allocation has been triggered, allowing United to gain six additional mainline gates by October 1.
• With these new gates, United can better accommodate increasing cargo demand by reducing congestion and enhancing operational efficiency.
• United’s continued growth at O'Hare will support expanded cargo services including two new long-haul international routes, providing additional capacity for freight shipments.

“Through this expanded footprint, we can better ensure our hometown hub can compete with hubs like Atlanta and Dallas Fort Worth, which have overtaken O’Hare in total destinations, daily departures, daily departing seats and overall aircraft size among other metrics,” said Omar Idris, United’s Vice President at O’Hare.

The expansion comes at a critical time: United Airlines plans to operate approximately 585 peak-day flights this July, an increase of 75 from last year, creating more cargo movement opportunities.

“I am proud to say that thanks to the tremendous efforts of this entire O’Hare team — Airport Operations, Cargo, Contact Centers, Flight Ops, Inflight Services, Network Operations, Tech Ops and our various business partners — we have established United as the leading airline in Chicago and around the globe,” Omar said.

As one of the busiest cargo hubs in the U.S., O'Hare plays a crucial role in United's freight operations. With the addition of these gates, the airline is well-positioned to enhance cargo handling capabilities, reduce turnaround times, and improve efficiency for shipping partners, reinforcing O'Hare’s status as a premier gateway for domestic and international freight.