Travel Derangement Hits Chicago O’Hare International Airport with 97 New Canceled Flights across Major Routes Between US and Europe Including France, Switzerland, Italy and Netherlands affecting United, SkyWest, KLM, Swiss and More Airlines

Published on November 9, 2025

Travel derangement has struck Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) today, causing significant disruptions for travelers. With 97 canceled flights, major routes between the U.S. and Europe, including destinations in France, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands, are severely affected. United Airlines, SkyWest, KLM, Swiss, and several other carriers are experiencing widespread flight cancellations. This chaotic situation is causing frustration for thousands of passengers as their travel plans are thrown into disarray. The cancellations span across both domestic and international flights, creating a ripple effect at one of the busiest airports in the world.

As a result, many travelers are left stranded or facing lengthy delays. If you are flying through O’Hare, it’s crucial to stay informed about the status of your flight and check for alternative routes. This ongoing travel disruption underscores the challenges of navigating today’s busy air travel landscape.

Total delays and cancellations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) remains heavily impacted by disruptions today, with 626 delays and 97 cancellations. These disruptions are affecting a wide range of domestic and international flights, especially with major U.S. and European carriers. Passengers traveling to and from U.S. airports and European hubs like Paris (CDG), Zurich (ZRH), Rome (FCO), and Amsterdam (AMS) are among the most affected. Below is a detailed overview of the delays and cancellations, as well as what passengers can do to manage the chaos.

Airports Affected by Delays and Cancellations at Chicago O’Hare

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) is a critical hub for both U.S. and European routes, with flights originating or terminating at key airports across the globe. Here’s an overview of the most affected airports, cities, and the impact on travelers.

U.S. Airports:

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
   • As the central point of disruption, O’Hare itself is facing a significant operational backlog. 626 flights have been delayed, and 97 flights have been canceled today. This has left passengers scrambling for alternatives, with many rebooked on later flights or forced to deal with long waits.
2. United Airlines (with flights from ORD to various U.S. destinations) is reporting a significant share of the delays, impacting flights to cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
3. SkyWest and Envoy Air (both regional airlines) are reporting delays across many U.S. routes, including regional hubs in Cleveland (CLE), Minneapolis (MSP), and Detroit (DTW).

European Airports:

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris, France
   • Air France, operating flights from O’Hare to Paris, has seen relatively minimal disruptions, with just 1 delayed flight. While cancellations are not a concern, the delay rate for Air France flights is 25%, which may cause inconvenience for some passengers.
2. Zurich Airport (ZRH), Zurich, Switzerland
   • SkyWest and United Airlines flights are affected at Zurich, with 100% delays reported for SkyWest flights (2 flights). The impact is particularly noticeable on regional and international connections.
3. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome, Italy
   • Flights from O’Hare to Rome operated by SkyWest and United Airlines are also facing delays, though cancellations remain low. With only 1 cancellation on SkyWest and 1 delayed flight, the impact is more on the timing rather than cancellations.
4. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Amsterdam, Netherlands
   • The disruption continues at Amsterdam Schiphol, with United Airlines and SkyWest experiencing delays. This has caused a ripple effect on the airport’s connecting flights, particularly those between Chicago O’Hare and Amsterdam.
5. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), Zurich, Switzerland
   • SWISS flights have seen a high delay rate of 50% (1 delayed flight). While cancellations are not reported, passengers heading to Zurich should prepare for delays as operational delays at O’Hare continue to disrupt scheduled departure times.

Airlines Affected by Delays and Cancellations at Chicago O’Hare

Several major U.S. and European carriers have been significantly affected by today’s travel disruptions at Chicago O’Hare, particularly United Airlines, SkyWest, and American Airlines. Here’s a breakdown of the affected airlines and the impact on their routes from O’Hare.

U.S. Airlines Operating at Chicago O’Hare:

1. United Airlines (UAL)
   • Cancellations: 18 flights (3% of total United flights)
   • Delays: 177 flights (32% of total United flights)
     United Airlines is one of the hardest-hit airlines at Chicago O’Hare, with 177 delayed flights and 18 cancellations. Most of these disruptions affect domestic routes to cities like New York and Los Angeles, as well as international flights to destinations in Europe and Asia.
2. SkyWest
   • Cancellations: 21 flights (4% of total SkyWest flights)
   • Delays: 114 flights (25% of total SkyWest flights)
     SkyWest, a regional airline operating flights for United, Delta, and American Airlines, has also seen significant delays. Flights from O’Hare to Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Detroit are among the most affected, with passengers experiencing delays of up to several hours.
3. American Airlines (AAL)
   • Cancellations: 5 flights (1% of total American Airlines flights)
   • Delays: 83 flights (28% of total American Airlines flights)
     American Airlines has seen a more moderate level of disruption at O’Hare, with 28% of its flights delayed and 5 cancellations. Domestic flights to Dallas and Phoenix are impacted, as well as international routes to Europe.
4. Delta Air Lines (DAL)
   • Cancellations: 4 flights (7% of total Delta Air Lines flights)
   • Delays: 23 flights (41% of total Delta Air Lines flights)
     Delta has faced the highest delay rate at O’Hare, with 41% of its flights delayed. The delays are especially concentrated on flights departing for Atlanta, New York, and international destinations.
5. Envoy Air (AAL)
   • Cancellations: 22 flights (6% of total Envoy Air flights)
   • Delays: 57 flights (16% of total Envoy Air flights)
     As a regional partner for American Airlines, Envoy Air has experienced 16% delays and 6% cancellations. These disruptions are affecting smaller regional airports in Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

European Airlines Operating to/from Chicago O’Hare:

1. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
   • Cancellations: 0 flights (0% of total Swiss flights)
   • Delays: 1 flight (50% of total Swiss flights)
     SWISS has experienced a 50% delay rate for flights from O’Hare to Zurich. Although the number of affected flights is minimal, passengers should be prepared for significant delays.
2. KLM
   • Cancellations: 0 flights (0% of total KLM flights)
   • Delays: 1 flight (50% of total KLM flights)
     Similarly, KLM flights departing from O’Hare to Amsterdam have encountered delays. Although only one flight is affected, passengers should be prepared for potential delays due to ongoing disruptions at O’Hare.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are affected by today’s disruptions at Chicago O’Hare, here are the actions you should take:

1. Stay Updated on Flight Status

Regularly check your flight status through the airline’s website, mobile app, or the departure boards at O’Hare. Most airlines provide real-time updates on cancellations and delays.

2. Contact Your Airline

Immediately reach out to your airline if your flight has been delayed or canceled. Airlines often provide compensation, rebooking options, and hotel accommodations for significant delays. Be sure to confirm your new flight arrangements as soon as possible.

3. Know Your Rights

Both U.S. and European regulations provide specific protections for passengers facing delays and cancellations. In the U.S., airlines are required to offer compensation for long delays, while European regulations also provide strong protections for affected passengers.

4. Look for Alternative Flights

If your flight is canceled or delayed for an extended period, consider exploring other routes or connecting flights. Check if other carriers are offering earlier departures to your destination.

5. Plan for Long Wait Times

With over 600 delays today, passengers should prepare for longer waits at the airport. Pack snacks, entertainment, and any necessary essentials to make the experience more comfortable while waiting for updates.

Conclusion

Today’s disruptions at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) have resulted in 626 delays and 97 cancellations, affecting both U.S. and European routes. Key carriers like United, Delta, and American Airlines have seen major impacts, with delays spreading across domestic and international routes. European carriers such as Swiss, KLM, and Emirates are also affected. Passengers should stay informed and be proactive in managing their travel plans by contacting airlines for rebooking and compensation options.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports