- Flight Disruptions
- Chicago snowstorm triggers 600+ O’Hare cancellations and widespread delays
Chicago snowstorm triggers 600+ O’Hare cancellations and widespread delays
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 9 February 2026
What Happened
A winter storm disrupted air travel in Chicago on Saturday morning. By 9:45 a.m., O’Hare recorded 627 cancellations and 331 delays with an average delay of about 37 minutes. The FAA implemented a ground delay at O’Hare of roughly five hours after lifting a short ground stop. Midway reported 76 cancellations by 9:50 a.m., with most delays under 15 minutes. Weather authorities warned of heavy snow and strong winds, and city crews deployed over 220 salt spreaders. A winter storm warning remained in effect through early Sunday.
Flight Disruption Details
A powerful winter storm moving through the Midwest caused significant disruption at Chicago’s two major airports on Saturday morning. By 9:45 a.m., O’Hare International Airport reported 627 flight cancellations and 331 delays, with average delays of approximately 37 minutes. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground delay program at O’Hare lasting about five hours. An earlier ground stop was lifted by 9:45 a.m.
At Midway Airport, the impact was smaller but still notable. By 9:50 a.m., the airport recorded 76 cancellations and various short delays generally under 15 minutes. According to airport figures, cancellations represented roughly 46% of scheduled flights at O’Hare and about 29% at Midway at that time.
Forecasters expected up to 10 inches of snow across the region, intensifying both air and road travel challenges. The National Weather Service cautioned that travel could become very difficult to impossible due to heavy snow and strong winds, which also raised the risk of scattered power outages.
On the ground, the City of Chicago deployed more than 220 salt spreaders overnight to keep primary routes, bridges, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive open. A winter storm warning remained in effect through early Sunday, and airport officials said delays could worsen into the afternoon as snowfall intensified.
Key facts at a glance:
- O’Hare: 627 cancellations; 331 delays; average delay about 37 minutes.
- FAA: Ground delay program at O’Hare of roughly five hours; brief ground stop lifted by 9:45 a.m.
- Midway: 76 cancellations; delays generally under 15 minutes.
- Weather: Up to 10 inches of snow expected; strong winds possible.
- Advisory: Winter storm warning through early Sunday; potential for worsening delays.
Travelers using Chicago’s airports should anticipate disruption and monitor airline communications and airport advisories closely as conditions evolve.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
9 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
