Urgent: Over 350 Flights Canceled at O’Hare Amid Delays

UPDATE: More than 350 flights have been abruptly canceled at Chicago O’Hare International Airport today, with delays averaging a staggering 55 minutes. This urgent situation is unfolding as a result of runway construction, which is causing significant disruptions from 7:45 a.m. to 9:59 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

As of 4:30 p.m., reports indicate that O’Hare is at the epicenter of a nationwide travel nightmare, with over 2,100 flights canceled across the country. Affected airports are grappling with extensive delays due to a government shutdown and an FAA mandate to reduce air traffic, now entering its third day. In total, more than 7,000 additional flight delays are reported today, per data from FlightAware.

Passengers traveling through Chicago Midway International Airport are also feeling the impact, experiencing delays averaging 42 minutes with only 25 flights canceled. However, the situation at O’Hare is particularly severe, prompting travelers to remain vigilant and patient.

Compounding the chaos, a Winter Storm Warning will take effect in Cook County at 9 p.m., with forecasts predicting several inches of snow to fall overnight into Monday. This could further exacerbate travel issues, turning an already challenging day into a potential disaster for many.

As the situation develops, travelers are urged to check flight statuses and stay informed about ongoing conditions. With both runway construction and severe weather on the horizon, the ripple effects on air travel are likely to linger for days.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story unfolds.