Dozens of flights were canceled at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which disrupted Caribbean travel and led to temporary airspace restrictions in Puerto Rico and surrounding regions. The FAA imposed restrictions due to security concerns, causing cancellations and delays that affected hundreds of flights, though normal air traffic resumed by Saturday night.
American Airlines is significantly expanding its operations at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport with 100 additional daily departures to over 75 destinations for spring break, including doubling service to popular destinations like Las Vegas and Panama City, and extending international seasonal routes to Paris and Dublin, aiming to reach over 500 departures in March and restore pre-pandemic levels, while enhancing customer experience and operational reliability.
Two United Airlines planes clipped wings while taxiing at O'Hare International Airport, causing a delay but no injuries; the cause of the collision is unclear and under investigation.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled new plans for O’Hare International Airport’s terminal expansion, including a new Global Terminal and two satellite concourses. Despite the progress, questions remain about the timeline, cost, and design. The project, initially estimated at $8.5 billion, has faced delays and budget overruns. The first satellite concourse is expected to be completed by 2028, with the second contingent on available funds. The expansion aims to modernize the airport and improve connectivity between domestic and international flights.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza shut down San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge for around five hours, while protests were also held in other U.S. cities, including Oakland, Chicago, New York City, and Seattle. The demonstrators used various tactics, such as chaining themselves together and blocking traffic lanes, resulting in multiple arrests. The protests aimed to draw attention to the conflict and demand an end to U.S. weapon supplies to Israel, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the ongoing Gaza war.
Pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago blocked the entrance to O'Hare International Airport, causing substantial delays and forcing some travelers to walk to the terminals. The protesters aimed to disrupt Boeing's operations due to its weapon sales to Israel and demanded an end to U.S. government's arming of Israel. Similar protests occurred in other cities as part of an "economic blockade for a free Palestine."
After months of negotiations, city officials propose a change in the sequencing of construction for the O'Hare International Airport rebuild, aiming to accelerate the completion of the new Global Terminal over satellite concourses. The proposed change comes after rising construction costs and delays, with airlines seeking to ensure the new terminal's stability. United and American airlines are reviewing the proposal, while U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin urges the construction of both satellite terminals along with the Global Terminal to increase gate capacity.
O'Hare and Midway airports in Chicago are preparing for a surge in travelers as 2.9 million passengers are expected to travel between March 21 and April 1, with Easter Sunday being particularly busy. The influx is attributed to Holy Week celebrations, Easter, and spring break for Chicago Public Schools. Travelers are advised to allow extra time, and both airports will be hosting mass inside their airport chapels for passengers flying on Easter Sunday.
A United Airlines flight bound for Salt Lake City was forced to return to O'Hare Airport due to a possible oil warning light issue, with 149 passengers and five crew members on board. This incident adds to a series of recent troubles for United Airlines, including emergency landings, runway veering, and other maintenance issues, prompting FAA investigations into each incident.
Severe storms in the Chicago area prompted travelers at O'Hare International Airport to seek shelter during a tornado warning, with video showing hundreds of people making their way to the airport's emergency shelter as flight delays mounted. The storms spawned multiple tornadoes, and the region is now bracing for freezing temperatures before a return to spring-like weather over the weekend.
A United Airlines flight from Newark to Los Angeles made an emergency landing at O'Hare International Airport after a passenger left a bomb threat message in the restroom, prompting a confrontation with a flight attendant. The FBI found no apparent threat to public safety, and the flight eventually continued to Los Angeles after a delay.
Two planes at O'Hare International Airport, an All Nippon Airways Boeing 777 and a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717, clipped wings on the tarmac, prompting passengers to return to the terminal. The incident occurred during taxiing and is being investigated by the FAA. No injuries were reported, and the collision took place in an area not under air traffic control.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has chartered a private plane to transport approximately 100 migrants from El Paso to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, as part of a new campaign that has turned the relocation of migrants into a "political football." The migrants, including families and children, are now stuck waiting at O'Hare, facing an uncertain future. Many of them spent their first day in Chicago sleeping on the floor of an old bus. While some migrants appreciate the opportunity for a better life, their growing numbers have become a concern for the city. U.S. representatives from Texas and Illinois have criticized Abbott's actions, calling them reckless and urging for better coordination between border and interior cities.
Two airplanes operated by regional carriers under the United Express name clipped wings while taxiing at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. No injuries were reported, and both planes proceeded to their gates. Maintenance teams are inspecting the aircraft for damage.
A plane operated by Air Wisconsin Airlines collided with a shuttle bus at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport while taxiing to Dayton International Airport. Six bus passengers were taken to a local hospital for evaluation, while no injuries were reported on the aircraft. The plane has been taken out of service, and passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft to continue their journey.
