Federal officials announced on April 17 that Chicago O’Hare International Airport must reduce its daily flight schedule by about 300 flights on the busiest days this summer to address delays. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration said the changes are intended to help travelers avoid disruptions as air traffic controllers also manage ongoing construction at the airport.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “If you book a ticket, we want you and your family to have the certainty that you’ll fly without endless delays and cancellations.”
O’Hare has more flights than any other U.S. airport and had one of the nation’s worst records for flight delays last year. More than 3,080 flights were scheduled on peak days this summer—a nearly 15 percent increase from last year—prompting concerns about excessive congestion.
The draft order from federal authorities cited expansion plans by both American Airlines and United Airlines at O’Hare as potential contributors to significant delays during the busy season. The government will now cap daily operations at a maximum of 2,708 flights through Oct. 24, slightly higher than last summer’s peak but well below what airlines had planned.
American Airlines said in a statement that it expects the new limits will improve reliability for customers: “We are grateful to Secretary Duffy, Administrator Bedford, and their leadership teams for acting swiftly to ensure that Chicagoans and all consumers continue to benefit from sensible competition and to help minimize flight disruptions during the busy summer season.” American estimated it would need to cut no more than 40 arrivals or departures per day; United may have to reduce more than 200 based on current schedules.
United said it appreciates “a solution that makes sense for everyone who cares about O’Hare’s success.” Both airlines plan further review before notifying affected travelers.
The flight restrictions will take effect May 17. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays typically see fewer scheduled flights so reductions will be less pronounced on those days.
