December 01, 2023

Duckworth, Durbin Statement on United, American Commitment to O'Hare Terminal Area Project

In joint statement, Duckworth and Durbin reiterate that United & American must uphold their end of the contract with the City of Chicago on the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Area Project

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding a recent report that United Airlines and American Airlines want to “slow down, dramatically scale back, or indefinitely ground” the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Area Project (TAP), on which they signed an agreement with the City of Chicago.

“United and American Airlines signed a contract which we expect them to honor for the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal Area Project (TAP) to move forward.

“TAP would modernize and grow terminal capacity at the airport to bring in more flights and passengers, a mutual goal of the City of Chicago and the airlines.  This project was designed to accommodate growth for airlines and ensure that O’Hare remains competitive as a world-class airport for decades to come, undoubtedly providing financial gains to United and American as a result.

“United and American Airlines must work in good faith with the City of Chicago to continue with TAP as intended.”

The project would significantly expand O’Hare’s gate capacity, offering the first “global alliance hub” where domestic airlines and their international partners will be located in the same terminal.  The TAP also includes plans for two satellite terminals that are essential for continuous growth and modernization at the airport.  Collectively, the TAP would expand O’Hare’s gate capacity by 25 percent, enabling the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft, improve gate access for arriving aircraft, reduce delays, enhance airline performance and significantly improve the passenger experience. 

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