FAA to Limit O'Hare Takeoffs: Less Delays, More Grumbles?
Published Date: 3/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is planning to limit how many flights can take off and land at Chicago O'Hare Airport during busy times to cut down on delays. They’re inviting airlines and the public to a meeting on March 4, 2026, and want feedback by March 11 before making a final decision. These changes could affect flight schedules and airline operations, aiming for smoother travel and less waiting around.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
ORD flight caps for Summer 2026
If you fly through Chicago O'Hare (ORD), the FAA plans to limit scheduled flights during the Summer 2026 scheduling season from March 29, 2026 through October 25, 2026. FAA proposes keeping limits equivalent to about 100 hourly departures and 100 hourly arrivals (about 2,800 total daily operations) and will review each 30-minute period between 06:00 and 21:59 local time. The FAA's final order may restrict service during peak hours for all carriers, including carriers not currently operating at ORD.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-13685 — Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
If you fly or maintain Bell Model 430 helicopters, listen up! The FAA updated safety rules to change how long certain rotor parts can be used and how pitch link assemblies are labeled. These new rules kick in on August 11, 2026, and might mean some extra checks or part swaps to keep your chopper safe and sound.
2026-13655 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
The FAA just made new rules for all Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes because some important clips in the high pressure valve were missing or broken. These rules stop planes from flying if certain safety systems aren’t working right or if warning messages show up. The rules started July 7, 2026, and operators need to follow them to keep flights safe without extra costs right now.
2026-13541 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
If you operate certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700 engines, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance plans with new, stricter rules to keep parts safe and sound. This means checking and replacing some engine parts sooner than before to avoid problems. Comments on these changes are open until August 20, 2026, so get ready to adjust your schedules and budgets!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04197 — Certain Freight Rail Couplers and Parts Thereof from India: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination with Final Antidumping Duty Determination
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Indian makers of certain freight rail couplers got unfair government help, so they’re planning to add extra taxes (countervailing duties) on these products. This affects Indian exporters and could make their couplers more expensive in the U.S. The final decision will line up with related antidumping duties, with key deadlines happening soon in 2026.
Next: 2026-04199 — Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating the form veterans use to report civil rights discrimination when getting VA medical care or services. About 450 people a year fill out this form, which takes around 15 minutes each. They’re asking for public feedback within 30 days to make sure the process stays clear and easy, with no extra costs involved.