Photo: Shutterstock The United States Department of Transportation has announced a series of steps to reduce congestion and delays at Chicago O'Hare Airport ahead of the Summer 2026 season. The decision was made based on data from last summer, when fewer than 60% of takeoffs and landings were on time.
According to the plan, the number of daily flights at the airport will be limited to 2,708, compared to about 3,080 flights planned for the busy days this summer. The number of flights originally planned was 14.9% higher than in the summer of 2025, raising concerns about overloading the system.
The move was formulated after a series of meetings between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airline and airport representatives, aimed at addressing flight overscheduling.
The restrictions will apply between May 17 and October 24, 2026, with slot distribution (takeoff and landing dates) being carried out in accordance with the schedules approved for summer 2025.
The decision is also based on additional operational challenges, including a shortage of aircraft parking spaces and infrastructure work on the runways.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: "If you book a ticket, we want you and your family to have the certainty that you'll fly without endless delays and cancellations."