FAA to Discuss Reducing Flights at O'Hare Amid Airline Surge

Meeting could lead to flight cancellations or rescheduling for travelers this summer

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration is holding a meeting on Wednesday to discuss potentially reducing flights at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this summer due to concerns about airport congestion. The FAA says the number of scheduled flights at O'Hare has increased significantly compared to last year, which could put stress on the airport's runways, terminals, and air traffic control systems.

Why it matters

The FAA's decision could lead to flight cancellations or rescheduling for travelers planning to fly through O'Hare this summer, causing disruptions and inconvenience. The meeting highlights the challenges airports and airlines face in balancing growth and capacity, especially at busy hubs like O'Hare.

The details

According to federal documents, the FAA considers the summer travel season to run from March 25 through October 25. During this period, O'Hare is scheduled to have 3,080 daily flights, up from 2,680 last summer. The FAA believes this surge in flights could overwhelm the airport's infrastructure. The meeting on Wednesday will include representatives from United Airlines and American Airlines, the two largest carriers at O'Hare. American has accused United of "reckless scheduling" and trying to block American's growth at the airport.

  • The FAA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 8 a.m. in Washington, D.C.
  • The FAA's defined summer travel season runs from March 25 through October 25, 2026.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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

United Airlines

One of the largest airline carriers in the United States, with a major hub at O'Hare International Airport.

American Airlines

Another major U.S. airline carrier, which also has a significant presence at O'Hare International Airport.

Chicago Department of Aviation

The city agency that manages and operates O'Hare International Airport.

Joe Schwieterman

A transportation expert and professor at DePaul University.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for the FAA taking proactive steps to protect the flying public who count on ORD to run reliably. Without intervention, United's reckless scheduling will lead to challenging conditions at ORD this summer: long taxi times, extensive tarmac delays, missed customer connections, disrupted crew sequences and cascading disruptions across the system. Those conditions don't just impact our customers — they put enormous strain on our frontline teams and our airport and federal partners. We are hopeful that the FAA's meeting will lead to more predictable travel and a better experience for everyone.”

— American Airlines (cbsnews.com)

“Already, our terminals are pushed to the max, and the FAA in some way is blowing the whistle saying this isn't going to work especially this summer.”

— Joe Schwieterman, Transportation expert and DePaul University professor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The FAA will decide after Wednesday's meeting whether to require airline carriers to reschedule or cancel flights at O'Hare this summer in order to prevent airport congestion and disruptions.

The takeaway

The FAA's intervention at O'Hare highlights the delicate balance airports and airlines must strike between growth and capacity, especially at major hubs like Chicago. This meeting could lead to significant travel disruptions for passengers, underscoring the need for better coordination between regulators, airports, and airlines to ensure safe and efficient operations.