dailyloe.com – Federal officials announced Thursday that about 300 flights per day must be cut from the schedule at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on the busiest days this summer. The move aims to reduce flight delays and cancellations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the goal is to provide certainty to travelers. He stated, ‘If you book a ticket, we want you and your family to have the certainty that you’ll fly without endless delays and cancellations.’
O’Hare is the busiest airport in the United States by number of flights. It already had one of the worst records for flight delays nationwide last year. More than 3,080 flights were planned on peak days this summer. That represented a 14.9% increase from the summer before, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration.
The federal government said the schedule was unrealistic. In a draft order, officials said it would have exceeded what the airport could handle. This increase comes as air traffic controllers deal with taxiway closures for construction projects. Both American and United announced expansion plans at O’Hare that could lead to significant delays.
Those airline expansions could limit the airfield’s ability to handle expected traffic. So the number of flights at the airport will now be limited to a maximum of 2,708. This is still slightly higher than the maximum of 2,680 flights scheduled at the peak of last summer. Duffy said this cap ‘will reduce delays and make this busy summer travel season a little easier.’
On slower days of the week, fewer flights will have to be cut. This is because a smaller number was scheduled in the first place. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically slower days for flights. The flight limits will take effect May 17 and last through Oct. 24.
Airlines will review the order’s details to figure out how many flights they must cancel. They will then notify affected customers. American Airlines said the FAA’s order will improve reliability and reduce delays for customers. The airline stated it is grateful to Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford for acting swiftly.
American’s statement said the action helps ensure Chicagoans benefit from sensible competition. It also aims to minimize flight disruptions during the busy summer season. American told employees in a memo it estimates cutting no more than 40 arrivals and departures per day. The airline estimates United might have to make more significant cuts.
