Flight Delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport Amid Government Shutdown
CHICAGO (WLS) — The ongoing government shutdown led to flight delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Tuesday. Although the airport was not very busy on Tuesday evening, travelers still experienced delays.
Earlier Tuesday, the FAA reported, “Departures to Chicago O’Hare International are delayed an average of 41 minutes due to other delays assigned to departures within 1,200 nautical miles.” This alert has since been removed from the FAA website.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers, so they must continue working during the shutdown; however, they are not receiving pay. This situation has left people taking off, coming home, or simply transiting through the airport feeling more than inconvenienced.
“We want to make sure we have air travel safe, and controllers focused not on their mortgages, not on the next paycheck, not on food on the table, but actually on making sure you and your family are safe,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Despite these assurances, many passengers remain frustrated about being caught in the middle of a political standoff in Washington, D.C.
An FAA statement reads: “Due to a recent lapse in funding, we know there are many questions about flight delays and staffing shortages across the system. For real-time updates at U.S. airports, including staffing and weather, visit the FAA’s official website.”
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