By Hollie SilvermanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAir traffic at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport came to a standstill when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop on Saturday morning as a major winter storm system unfolded across the region.
More than 100 flights were cancelled and over 785 were delayed out of Chicago O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning, according to Flightaware.com.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple advisories for the Chicago region, including a winter storm warning, gale warning, and hazardous weather outlook.
Newsweek reached out to the FAA, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the NWS by email Saturday for more information.
Why It Matters
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the country's busiest hubs, especially during holiday travel season.
The timing of the ground stop coincided with a high-volume weekend for domestic travel in the wake of the Thanksgiving holiday, compounding travel headaches for passengers and airlines.
What To Know
The FAA issued the ground stop at Chicago O'Hare International Airport amid snow and ice that created unsafe conditions for airport operations.
As of Saturday morning, O'Hare International Airport logged 120 flight cancellations and 788 delays.
The stop was expected to remain in place until at least 1 p.m., with rolling delays possible as the weather persisted.
Forecasts called for as much as 10 inches of snow, with the heaviest accumulation predicted between noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Snowfall rates could reach up to two inches per hour, according to the NWS Chicago office, sharply reducing visibility and making road and runway conditions treacherous.
United Airlines and American Airlines announced travel waivers and notices for affected passengers, enabling changes to bookings without fees or additional fare requirements.
"American Airlines is monitoring the progress of Winter Storm Bellamy and has issued a travel notice allowing customers whose travel plans may be affected to rebook without change fees," a spokesperson for American Airlines told Newsweek on Saturday morning via email. "Customers are encouraged to check their flight status on aa.com or in the American Airlines app. American will continue tracking this system with the safety of our customers and team members top of mind."
Meanwhile, United Airlines said in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Saturday that it "issued a travel waiver for cities that are preparing for winter weather to give our customers the flexibility to manage their travel plans. Customers should use the United app or visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information."
On the ground, the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation activated over 220 salt spreaders to tackle ice and snow on roads leading to O'Hare and Midway. Chicago officials urged residents and visitors to monitor local advisories, travel only when necessary, and take precautions amid the hazardous conditions.
The NWS warned that the winter storm would likely disrupt not only air travel but also marine activities on Lake Michigan, with gales and hazardous winds cited as major hazards.
Affected travelers, boaters, and residents were instructed to remain alert for updates and take appropriate emergency measures.
What Happens Next?
The winter storm warning for Chicago and northwest Indiana remained in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday.
Flight operations in the region continued to be dependent on weather improvements and ongoing efforts to keep runways and roads clear.
...Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
NewsHundreds of Flights Canceled, Delayed Amid Chicago Winter Storm3 min read
NewsZelensky’s Ex-Aide Vows to Fight on Frontline After Corruption Raid: Report5 min read
NewsTrump Officials Hit With Critical Deadline In Contempt Probe4 min read
News9 Megaprojects Begin Construction Across US3 min read
NewsDonald Trump Says Venezuela Airspace To Be Closed Entirely3 min read
NewsWinter Storm Warning As 13 Inches of Snow To Strike: ‘Extreme Caution’3 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
U.S.Pam Bondi Under Pressure After Worst Week Yet9 min read
NewsUS Halts All Asylum Claims After National Guard Shootings: What To Know4 min read
PoliticsState Department Expands Visa Pause to Afghan Passport Carriers3 min read
NewsDonald Trump Secures $75 Million Northwestern Deal: ‘Huge Win’4 min read
PoliticsWho Will Win Tennessee Special Election? What Polls Show 3 Days Out5 min read
NewsPolice to Accompany National Guard in DC After Fatal Shooting: Report4 min readTrending
New York8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Sent Out Ahead of Thanksgiving4 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Warning As 14 inches of Snow To Strike: ‘Delay All Travel’3 min read
AldiAldi Recall Update: Customers Told Discard Christmas Products ‘Immediately’3 min read
IllinoisProgram Giving $500 Monthly Checks to Americans Extended Into 20264 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Map Shows States Where ‘Widespread Heavy Snow’ Will Fall3 min readOpinion
OpinionRedefining Professional Degrees Will Hurt Everyday Americans | Opinion5 min read
OpinionAI Is Coming for Our Most Intimate Communications. Congress Must Act | Opinion5 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Thanksgiving Tragedies Edition3 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Anti-Thanksgiving Edition3 min read
OpinionHow to Remain Grounded and Thankful Amid the Chaos5 min read
