Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will see over 300 flights cut this summer as part of an effort to minimize delays, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on April 16.
During peak periods this summer, there are more than 3,080 flights scheduled, marking a 14.9% increase from summer 2025. The FAA’s decision aims to cap daily flights at 2,708 due to persistent issues like “limited gate capacity and ongoing taxiway construction.”
Last summer, O’Hare had around 2,680 flights scheduled, just under the FAA’s planning limit. It had the highest delays in the U.S. for 2025, having more flights than any other American airport.
The new flight restrictions will begin on May 17 and continue until October 24.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed that these flight reductions will “ease the busy summer travel season.” He emphasized that travelers should feel confident about flying without facing continuous delays or cancellations.
“By resolving communication issues quickly and scaling back excess capacity, Newark Liberty International Airport became the most punctual in the tri-state area. Implementing the same strategy at O’Hare is crucial for managing flight schedules realistically, albeit it will reduce capacity,” he noted.
FAA Administrator Brian Bedford shared similar thoughts, stressing safety as the primary concern. He stated, “It’s essential that airline schedules match what can be safely managed. We’re thankful to the airlines for collaborating to ensure a safer and more reliable experience for travelers.”
According to the Associated Press, the flight reductions will primarily target slower travel days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. American Airlines indicated in a memo that daily flights might need to be reduced to about 40.
Reports also mention that the FAA has been in discussions with airlines about these cuts since late February.
Long wait times at airport checkpoints decreased in late March, following slush payments made to TSA employees who continued to work during the government shutdown, as noted by the agency.
