Durbin, Duckworth question FAA's extension of O'Hare flight caps
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An O'Hare sign is seen at a CTA Blue Line train station. Photo: Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Both of Illinois' U.S. senators are demanding answers after the Federal Aviation Administration extended flight caps at O'Hare International Airport through fall 2027.
The latest: Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA administrator Bryan Bedford questioning the FAA's decision to extend the caps a full year later than was originally planned.
- The caps had been scheduled to expire in October 2026.
Why it matters: The extension could continue limiting flight availability at one of the nation's busiest connecting airports, affecting travelers and airlines well beyond Chicago.
What they're saying: "Reducing operations at the world's busiest airport for one-and-a-half years reduces available flights for travelers at arguably the most crucial nexus for the United States and stunts economic growth for the entire Midwest," Durbin and Duckworth wrote.
Context: In April, the FAA capped O'Hare at 2,708 daily flights through October 2026 to reduce congestion during runway and taxiway construction.
- Officials also cited United Airlines and American Airlines' push to add flights to secure future gate allocations. The caps forced both airlines to trim or reroute flights.
- There were roughly 2,500 flights (arrivals and departures) a day at the airport last summer. Without the caps, that number would have ballooned to more than 3,000 this summer.
- A United spokesperson says the airline is delaying the start of 10 new routes announced earlier this year and removing them from its schedule.
Between the lines: The FAA quietly extended the restrictions for another year in July, even though Chicago officials say the construction that prompted the caps will largely be finished this fall.
Yes, but: The Chicago Department of Aviation says all taxiways and runways at the airport will be open by this November.
- "What was the FAA's rationale for extending the flight reduction through October 30, 2027, and citing concerns over construction?" the senators wrote.
The other side: An FAA spokesperson tells Axios that the flight cap extension "will help maintain safe and efficient operations amid ongoing airspace and operational constraints, aims to prevent widespread delays, and provide greater certainty for travelers."
Flashback: Durbin and Duckworth have repeatedly pushed the FAA to boost staffing at O'Hare's air traffic control facilities. Earlier this year, they urged Bedford to assign more controllers rather than limit flights.
- "What actions has FAA taken to help alleviate congestion and better support operations at ORD?" they wrote last week.
Reality check: O'Hare is often described as the world's busiest airport, but that's based on aircraft movements, not passenger traffic.
- The new O'Hare renovation plan is currently expanding concourses and gates to accommodate even more traffic. The entire project is set to be completed by 2032.
What's next: Durbin and Duckworth gave the FAA until Aug. 15 to respond to their letter. The FAA says it will respond directly to the senators.