Spirit’s decline: American Airlines buys two gates at O’Hare from Spirit Airlines for $30M

American Airlines has bought two airport gates from Spirit Airlines at O'Hare International Airport for $30 million. The gates, known as G8 and G10, were sold as Spirit works through its bankruptcy process, according to Biz Journals. Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection in August and has been reducing its flight operations across the country. The ultra-low-cost carrier once ran 32 daily flights from its four O'Hare gates, but has now cut that number in half. After selling these two gates, Spirit will keep only G12 and G14 at the airport. The purchase benefits American Airlines because the company operates an Admirals Club lounge at Terminal 3, Concourse G, right across from gate G8, Biz Journals reports.

Spirit cuts operations while adding new routes

The bankruptcy court judge in the Southern District of New York approved the gate transfer on Monday, as reported by Travel Market Report. Spirit has made significant changes since filing for bankruptcy, closing operations at 14 airports and returning leases for 80 aircraft. Despite these cutbacks, the airline continues to fly and has not stopped launching new destinations.

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Travel Market Report notes that Spirit started flights between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman on Dec. 4. These flights feature Spirit First and Premium Economy cabin classes, which the airline introduced as part of its restructuring plans after bankruptcy.

Strategic move helps both airlines

A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge gave final approval for the deal on Dec. 8,  according to Altexsoft. This marks the first time Spirit has sold assets to another airline during its second bankruptcy filing. American Airlines faced its own challenges earlier in 2025, when it lost four gates to United Airlines during an airport space reallocation. The company tried to fight this decision in court, but failed. Buying these two gates from Spirit helps American recover some of its lost ground at O'Hare, one of its key hub airports. Altexsoft reports that American has also filed legal papers to monitor Spirit's bankruptcy case closely, suggesting the airline may look for more opportunities as Spirit continues downsizing.