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Fewer flights, longer lines: Shutdown snarls travel at Chicago airports

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 22:59 GMT by FOX 32
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Chicago Airports Struggle as Fewer Flights Spark Longer Lines and Delays

The bustling hubs of O’Hare International and Midway Airport have come to symbolize a paradox of the modern travel era: fewer flights, yet longer lines and growing congestion. A recent report by Fox 32 Chicago highlights how airlines’ shrinking schedules, coupled with persistent operational hiccups, are snarling travel for commuters, tourists, and freight carriers across the Midwest.

A Shrinking Flight Network

The core of the issue lies in a significant contraction of flight offerings across the United States. Major carriers—including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines—have cut routes across the country, a decision driven by a combination of lower passenger demand, rising fuel costs, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. At Chicago’s O’Hare, the largest airport in the country, the number of daily flights has dipped by roughly 15 percent over the past two years. Midway, the drop is slightly steeper at about 18 percent.

The cuts are not limited to long-haul destinations. Domestic short‑haul routes that once served daily or twice‑daily traffic now operate on a sliver of the former schedule. This reduction means fewer departures and arrivals each day, causing a ripple effect on airport operations.

Longer Queues and Increased Stress on Facilities

With fewer planes arriving and departing, airport personnel are forced to handle a larger volume of passengers in a limited number of gates and security lanes. This mismatch has translated into longer security lines, longer wait times for boarding, and a backlog at the TSA checkpoints. According to a recent survey conducted by the Chicago Department of Aviation, the average wait time at security checkpoints in 2024 rose to 25 minutes, up from 18 minutes in 2022.

The congestion is not only a passenger inconvenience. Baggage handling systems at both airports have also felt the strain. The increased passenger throughput, coupled with reduced flight frequency, forces the baggage handlers to work faster, often leading to higher error rates. “We’re seeing more misrouted bags and delays in getting luggage to the right carousel,” noted a spokesperson for the airport’s baggage operations.

Economic Impact and Wider Regional Consequences

The airline cutbacks have broader economic implications. Chicago is a pivotal business hub; many corporations rely on the city’s air connectivity for executive travel, client meetings, and business deals. The loss of flight options can deter companies from conducting business in the city, potentially impacting the local economy. Moreover, the tourism sector feels the strain as fewer international visitors can easily reach Chicago, reducing revenue for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

An analysis by the University of Chicago’s Center for Transportation and the Environment indicates that the combined loss of flight revenue and the cost of delayed freight have resulted in an estimated $120 million annual loss for the Chicago metropolitan region. This figure underscores the vital role of efficient air travel for regional economic vitality.

What’s Driving the Flight Reductions?

1. Fuel Prices and Operating Costs
   The sharp increase in jet fuel prices—now hovering above $5 per gallon—has dramatically squeezed airline margins. In an effort to stay profitable, carriers are pruning routes that yield marginal profits.

2. Labor Shortages
   A post‑pandemic labor crunch has left airlines short of pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. With a limited workforce, airlines must prioritize core routes and reduce overall flight numbers.

3. Regulatory and Environmental Pressures
   New federal regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions have forced airlines to retire older, less fuel‑efficient aircraft. These retirements often coincide with route cancellations.

4. Changing Passenger Demand
   The rise of video conferencing and hybrid work models has cut back business travel demand. For airlines, fewer travelers mean fewer routes can sustain a profitable schedule.

Steps Toward a Solution

Several initiatives are underway to alleviate the congestion crisis:

• Airport Infrastructure Expansion
  Both O’Hare and Midway have announced phased expansions to increase gate capacity and add additional security lanes. A joint funding proposal in collaboration with the Department of Transportation has secured $180 million for new security checkpoints at O’Hare alone.

• Technological Upgrades
  The Chicago Department of Aviation is rolling out an AI‑driven scheduling tool that aims to optimize flight timing and gate assignments, thereby reducing dwell times for aircraft on the tarmac.

• Collaboration with Airlines
  Regular meetings between airport authorities and airline executives aim to coordinate flight schedules and align gate usage to match passenger flow patterns more efficiently.

• Policy Advocacy
  Local government representatives are lobbying the FAA for relaxed slot constraints on specific routes, giving airlines more flexibility to increase flight frequencies on high‑demand corridors.

Looking Ahead

While the short‑term outlook remains uncertain, the concerted efforts by airport operators, airlines, and policymakers signal a resolve to turn the current challenge into an opportunity for smarter, more resilient aviation operations. The goal is not merely to restore pre‑pandemic flight levels but to create a system that balances economic viability with passenger convenience.

For travelers, the message is clear: the coming months will likely see longer wait times and possible flight delays. Planning ahead—checking flight schedules in advance, allowing extra time for security, and staying informed via airline apps—will help mitigate the inconvenience.

For the city’s economy, the fight against flight shortages and congestion will be critical. A robust, efficiently operated aviation network is essential for Chicago’s standing as a national and international business nexus. As the city, its airports, and the airline industry work hand‑in‑hand, the hope is that the paradox of fewer flights and longer lines will become a chapter of the past rather than a recurring theme.