The commercial aviation sector in the United States experienced significant turmoil on March 14, 2024, as Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) reported a staggering total of 943 flights either canceled or delayed. This figure represents approximately 74% of its planned daily operations, with 320 flights canceled and 623 delayed. The combination of a persistent government shutdown and a winter storm warning severely impacted operations at this major hub.
According to data from Flightradar24, the disruptions at O’Hare were compounded by an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers who are currently required to work without pay. This situation has led to increased stress levels among staff, prompting many to call in sick, further exacerbating the staffing crisis. A ground delay program was implemented at O’Hare from 11:50 on March 14 until 00:59 on March 15, as officials struggled to manage the chaos.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressed concern regarding the current operational capacity, stating, “With continued delays and unpredictable staffing shortages, which are driving fatigue, risk is further increasing.” On average, flights departing from O’Hare faced delays of 53 minutes, compared to an average delay of just 15 minutes at nearby Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Major Airports Experience Significant Disruptions
Chicago O’Hare was not the only airport facing challenges on this day. Other major US airports also reported substantial delays and cancellations. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) ranked second in the list of affected airports, with 150 cancellations and 270 delays. Meanwhile, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) experienced a 9% cancellation rate, but half of its flights were delayed, affecting 350 services.
The top 10 list of disrupted airports featured several other significant hubs. New York LaGuardia (LGA) ranked fourth, followed by Boston Logan (BOS) in fifth. Las Vegas (LAS), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) also made the list. In contrast, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) was the only non-US airport in the top ranks, reporting 64 cancellations (12%) and 292 delays (54%).
According to Open Jaw, a winter storm was primarily responsible for the disruptions experienced at Toronto Pearson, which shared the highest percentage of delayed flights with Boston Logan.
Government Shutdown Exacerbates Staffing Crisis
The ongoing US government shutdown has put immense pressure on air traffic controllers, who are federal employees required to work without compensation. This untenable situation has led to a rise in sick calls due to stress-related issues, further straining an already limited workforce. As a result, US regulators have been forced to limit capacity at major airports, contributing to the widespread delays and cancellations across the country.
In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump indicated that air traffic controllers who take time off could face pay docking, while proposing bonuses for those who report to work. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air traffic could “reduce to a trickle” if the government shutdown continues without resolution.
As the situation develops, the aviation industry and travelers alike remain hopeful for a swift resolution to these challenges. The combination of weather-related issues and staffing shortages has created a perfect storm of operational difficulties, leading to significant impacts on regional and national connectivity.