Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc at Chicago O’Hare and Midway Airports, Stranding Thousands of Thanksgiving Travelers Across the Midwest – Everything You Need to Know About Flight Cancellations and Delays

Published on December 13, 2025

In the wake of a powerful winter storm hitting the Midwest, Chicago’s airports have seen massive disruptions, with over 600 flight cancellations at O’Hare International Airport by mid-morning. The storm, which started affecting the city on Saturday, caused chaos at both major airports, bringing Thanksgiving travel to a standstill.

O’Hare International Airport experienced the worst of the disruption, with 627 flight cancellations and more than 330 delays reported by 9:45 a.m., according to FlightAware. Travelers found themselves trapped in terminals as snow began to fall heavily, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ground delay, which stretched for about five hours. Midway Airport, though slightly less affected, saw 76 cancellations, with most delays kept under 15 minutes.

The Storm’s Impact on Chicago’s Travel Plans

As the snowstorm intensified, the situation at O’Hare worsened, with flights grounded and the weather making travel difficult across the region. The storm was expected to dump up to 10 inches of snow, and while Midway fared somewhat better, both airports remained in chaos for hours. The FAA ground delay, which was briefly lifted, left many travelers scrambling for alternative arrangements.

With heavy snow and strong winds affecting road conditions as well, Illinois State Police issued urgent warnings for drivers to stay cautious on the roads. DuSable Lake Shore Drive and other main roads were treated with salt spreaders to ensure that at least the most critical routes remained passable, but travel advisories continued throughout the weekend.

Disruptions Extend Beyond the Airport

The ripple effect of the storm wasn’t just confined to the airport terminals. Travelers hoping to escape Chicago during the busy Thanksgiving period faced the risk of missing flights or being stranded at the airport for hours. Meanwhile, road conditions worsened, as snow piled up on highways, further complicating travel plans.

The National Weather Service issued travel warnings across Illinois, with experts advising travelers to expect “very difficult to impossible” conditions. Salt spreaders, in fact, were deployed all through the night to prepare for the worst, ensuring the city could remain as accessible as possible given the circumstances.

Midway’s Slightly Better, Yet Still Disrupted Experience

While O’Hare saw the majority of the cancellations, Midway Airport wasn’t spared from the storm’s wrath. By 9:50 a.m., Midway reported 76 cancellations, representing about 29% of its flights. The airport also experienced a few delays, but unlike O’Hare, these were kept under 15 minutes in most cases. Despite these lesser numbers, travelers hoping for smooth connections were left grappling with the aftermath of an unforeseen winter storm.

Advice for Travelers Facing Storm Disruptions

Travelers facing flight cancellations or delays should stay informed and flexible. Here are some key tips to navigate these disruptions:

• Check flight status frequently: Stay updated on cancellations and delays. Many airlines send updates via text or email.
• Seek alternative routes or nearby airports: If your flight has been canceled, inquire about flights departing from other airports or through different routes.
• Be patient: Due to high volume, it may take time to rebook or find alternate travel options.
• Pack snacks and essentials: Terminal services may be crowded, so carry food, water, and any necessary medications.

In addition, travelers should consider booking flexible tickets when traveling during winter to avoid scheduling conflicts during inclement weather. Always have backup plans for accommodation and travel alternatives.

Winter Travel Disruptions and Future Precautions

As winter storms continue to impact travel, it’s essential to stay aware of how weather conditions may evolve. Both O’Hare and Midway will need to take significant steps to prepare for future snowstorms and ensure travelers’ safety during extreme weather events. While the airports responded swiftly by deploying salt spreaders, the FAA ground delays and numerous flight cancellations prove that even the most well-prepared airports can face extreme challenges.

Looking ahead, weather forecasts suggest that Chicago will continue to experience heavy snowfall as the winter season deepens, so travelers planning to fly into or out of the city should keep close tabs on weather and flight updates. The National Weather Service continues to issue winter storm warnings, which could affect multiple airports across the region in the coming weeks.

Wrapping Up the Travel Chaos

As the storm subsides, the path to recovery will take time. Thousands of travelers are still trying to get back on track, and many are seeking alternative routes, be it through other airports or by adjusting their schedules to fit the ever-changing flight status. The storm is expected to cause further delays over the next few days, leaving travelers to navigate the storm’s aftermath.