Wisevoter follows air travel in Chicago, from new route announcements and airport expansion plans to flight cancellation surges and the airline performance data that shapes how travelers move through the region. Cook County hosts two major airport operations that anchor the reporting.
Scott Kirby says understaffed FAA towers are slowing aircraft taxiing at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
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November 9, 2026
Critics Tour Thatcher Woods Over O'Hare FlyerA grassroots coalition is raising environmental concerns about a proposed train linking the Loop to O'Hare Airport.
November 6, 2026
O'Hare Taxi Times Lead Nation Despite Traffic SurgeChicago's airport recorded more than 25 million passengers this summer while reporting the nation's longest aircraft taxi times.
November 2, 2026
Chicago Votes on Name for O'Hare BoulderThe city is letting the public pick a name from six finalists for a 50-ton dolostone boulder unearthed during airport construction.
October 28, 2026
Midway Airport Closes Runway for Essential RepairsThe Chicago Department of Aviation has closed Midway International Airport's Runway 4R/22L for three weeks of maintenance.
October 27, 2026
Southwest Airlines Ends Operations at O'Hare in 2026The airline shifted all Chicago flight operations to Midway International Airport following its 2026 O'Hare exit.
October 26, 2026
Chicago Department of Aviation to Propose 2027 BudgetThe proposed 2027 budget includes increased funding for outside contracting and a shift in reliance on state and federal grants.
October 23, 2026
O'Hare Airport Sees Record Summer Passenger VolumeThe Chicago hub handled over 25 million passengers between June and August 2026, marking a significant increase from prior levels.
October 21, 2026
FAA Investigates Recent Blown Tire Incidents at O'HareFederal regulators are probing a series of aircraft tire failures that have plagued the Chicago airport this summer.
October 20, 2026
American Airlines Plane Blows Tires in ChicagoAn American Airlines jet experienced brake issues and blew two tires upon landing at O'Hare International Airport.
October 20, 2026
Midway Airport Closes Runway 22L for Critical RepairsThe Chicago Department of Aviation is repairing damaged safety equipment on one of the airport's four runways.
Coverage here takes in route additions and cuts, airport terminal and infrastructure projects, on-time performance rankings, seat and baggage policy changes and the consumer issues that arise from disruptions. Reporting runs through Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Logan Square and The Loop, and the Cook County and city agencies that oversee airport operations and ground transportation. Chicago's position as one of the country's busiest aviation hubs means that airline decisions made here — on routes, capacity and operations — can affect travelers across a wide section of the country. Airport expansion timelines and airline labor negotiations generate the longest-running stories, since both involve multi-year processes with recurring milestones.
