Copyright NBC 5 Chicago
Several flights were delayed Monday as O'Hare International Airport implemented a ground delay program for several hours due to staffing issues. The Federal Aviation Administration reported the program was in place from 11:50 a.m. CST Monday to 12:59 a.m. Tuesday. The reason given for the delay was "staffing." The program was impacting departures from the airport, according to the FAA. As of 1:15 p.m., delays averaged 51 minutes at the Chicago airport with more than 380 flights canceled. The delays come during an already challenging travel day as Chicago airports were under a winter storm warning. It also follows a nearly two-hour ground stop over the weekend due to staffing amid the government shutdown. Local The travel delays come just after more than 1,000 flights were canceled nationwide, including over 100 in Chicago, as flight reductions took effect at 40 high-traffic airports, including Midway and O'Hare. The FAA announced the decision on Wednesday to reduce service at “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the shutdown. “With continued delays and unpredictable staffing shortages, which are driving fatigue, risk is further increasing, and the FAA is concerned with the system’s ability to maintain the current volume of operations,” the order reads.
