FAA Mulls Cutting Flights at Chicago O'Hare Amid Airline Turf War

Agency cites congestion concerns as American and United battle for dominance at major hub.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering reducing flights out of Chicago O'Hare this summer due to concerns about congestion as American and United have been engaged in a tense turf war at the airport. The agency plans to hold a meeting on March 4 to discuss the flight restrictions, focusing on decreasing flight delays and overscheduling during peak hours.

Why it matters

O'Hare is a critical hub for both American and United, and the airlines have been competing aggressively for gate space and routes. This has led to overcrowding and operational challenges that the FAA now wants to address to improve reliability and passenger experience.

The details

FAA chief Bryan Bedford told airlines during a closed-door meeting that the agency did not want a repeat of the congestion issues seen at Newark Liberty International Airport last summer, when overcapacity, air traffic control staffing shortages, and outdated technology strained the airport. The FAA ended up limiting capacity out of Newark to ease some of the congestion.

  • The FAA plans to hold a meeting on March 4 to discuss the potential flight restrictions.
  • The agency is considering implementing the flight reductions at O'Hare this summer.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

American Airlines

One of the largest airlines in the world, operating a major hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

United Airlines

Another major U.S. airline that operates a significant hub at O'Hare, competing with American for dominance at the airport.

Bryan Bedford

The current Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The agency did not want a repeat of what happened at Newark last summer when overcapacity, air traffic control staffing shortages, and outdated technology strained the airport.”

— Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator (Reuters)

What’s next

The FAA will hold a meeting on March 4 to discuss potential flight reductions at O'Hare, with a focus on addressing congestion issues during peak hours.

The takeaway

The battle for dominance between American and United at Chicago's O'Hare airport has led to overcrowding and operational challenges, prompting the FAA to consider reducing flights this summer to improve reliability and the passenger experience.