O'Hare Airport Limits Daily Flights to Avoid Summer Delays
Published Date: 4/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting May 17, 2026, Chicago O'Hare Airport will limit daily flights to 2,708 to keep things running smoothly and avoid big delays like last summer. This affects all airlines scheduling flights for Summer 2026 and helps make travel safer and less frustrating during ongoing construction. The limit lasts through October 24, 2026, aiming to keep the airport efficient without extra costs for travelers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.
Daily flight cap at O'Hare this summer
From May 17, 2026 through October 24, 2026, Chicago O'Hare will be limited to 2,708 scheduled operations per day between 06:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Central Time. The FAA says the cap is meant to reduce delays and improve safety and on-time performance for Summer 2026.
Airline allocations based on Summer 2025
The FAA will allocate the 2,708 daily operations among U.S. carriers in proportion to their approved Summer 2025 schedules. That means each carrier's share this summer is tied to how many operations it held in Summer 2025.
Half-hour timing windows and caps
The FAA will issue half-hourly limits ranging from 30 to 84 operations per half-hour during the limited hours and expects carriers to fit allocated operations into those windows. Carriers must work with the Slot Administration Office so their flights match the half-hour timing limits.
Limits apply only during specified hours in Illinois
The daily limit of 2,708 operations applies at Chicago O'Hare (Illinois) from 06:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Central Time each day from May 17, 2026 through October 24, 2026. If you plan travel through O'Hare during those dates and times, schedules may be reduced or re-timed.
Must get FAA approval for schedule changes
While the Order is in effect, carriers at ORD must get written approval from the FAA Slot Administration Office before changing schedules outside their authorized half-hour arrival/departure windows. The FAA will manage requests for modifications and provide a process for operational relief.
Foreign carriers not required to cut schedules
The Order applies under 49 U.S.C. 41722 to U.S. air carriers; foreign air carriers were not asked to reduce operations as part of this scheduling reduction process. Foreign carriers may voluntarily propose reductions, but they were not required to do so under the Order.
Unscheduled cargo and charter access rules
Unscheduled operations such as cargo, charter, or nonscheduled foreign carrier flights will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis to the extent they can be fit at ORD. Those operators must submit requests to and obtain approval from the FAA Slot Administration Office and ORD terminal.
Order restricts scheduled timing to certificated U.S. carriers
Under the Order, the FAA will not accommodate authorized scheduled timings for any person or entity other than a certificated U.S. air carrier with economic and FAA operating authority under 14 CFR parts 121, 129, or 135. That means non-certificated operators cannot receive scheduled timings under this Order.
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
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA wants to limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep people and property safe. Facility owners can ask for special drone flight restrictions, but they must prove it’s needed for safety or security. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these new rules could change how drone operators fly near sensitive places.
2026-09773 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus Helicopters have their engine parts installed correctly to keep flying safe. If you own or operate models like AS350 or EC130, you’ll need to check the main gearbox engine coupling soon and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and while inspections might cost some time and money, they’re key to avoiding bigger issues.
2026-09801 — Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders
If you own a Stemme S 12 glider, heads up! The FAA wants you to regularly check your fuel system for leaks caused by certain copper rings and replace any faulty ones. This keeps your glider safe and stops risky fuel leaks, with comments on the plan due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09802 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Winnie, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Griffith Ranch Airport in Winnie, TX. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice smoother, safer flights with no extra costs or delays.
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up before any costs or work kicks in.
2026-09772 — Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes
If you own a Diamond DA20-C1 airplane, the FAA wants you to check the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) because a missing wire might stop it from working in an emergency. They’re asking for a quick inspection and fixes if needed to keep you safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and the fix should be pretty straightforward without breaking the bank.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07664 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; Retail Foreign Exchange Transactions
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork rules for banks handling retail foreign exchange (forex) transactions. They want your thoughts by May 20, 2026, to keep things clear and simple while following federal rules. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep the paperwork smooth and fair for everyone involved.
Next: 2026-07667 — Notice of 2026 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Lease Sale
The Bureau of Land Management is holding a big oil and gas lease sale for at least 400,000 acres in Alaska’s Coastal Plain on June 5, 2026. Companies wanting to bid must send their sealed offers by June 3. This sale kicks off a series of lease sales planned over the next decade to tap into Alaska’s natural resources and boost energy development.