February 10, 2011

Durbin and Kirk Statement on Five-Day Delay of O'Hare Lawsuit

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today released a statement following an announcement that a five-day delay has been approved in the lawsuit that United Airlines and American Airlines against the City of Chicago. The agreement to ask for a delay was reached during meetings between representatives of the airlines and city officials.

"Today’s agreement on a temporary delay of the lawsuit is a positive development in the negotiations between the City of Chicago, United Airlines and American Airlines."

“This development allows for more time to find common ground and could prevent a costly legal battle and construction delays. Finding a solution that ensures project construction – which support thousands of local jobs – continues is essential to future economic growth in Chicago.”


On January 27th, Durbin and Kirk held a meeting with the CEOs of United Airlines, Jeff Smisek, and American Airlines, Gerard Arpey to discuss the potential for a compromise between the airlines and the City of Chicago. At the urging of both Senators, Smisek and Arpey indicated a willingness to reopen a dialogue with the City of Chicago, a sentiment that Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley has also expressed. The first meeting between all parties was convened by the Secretary of Transportation, yesterday in Washington, DC.