Chicago has two major airports, and you need to check both

Chicago operates two commercial airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). A full closure of both is extremely rare, but one can close while the other stays open. Before you head to the airport or call your airline, you need to know which one your flight uses — check your ticket or confirmation email for the three-letter airport code.

Complete closures happen during severe weather (heavy snow, ice storms, extreme wind) or after accidents. Partial closures — where some runways or terminals shut down — are more common and cause delays rather than cancellations. The airport's own website and the FAA's status page are your fastest sources for real information.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your airline ticket to find out whether you're flying from O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW), because one can be open while the other is closed.
  • The FAA's Flight Delay Information System at faa.gov/air_traffic/delays shows real-time airport status and the reason for any closure or delay.
  • Each airport's website (oharegov.com and flymidway.com) posts closure notices and updates faster than most news outlets.
  • If your flight is cancelled due to weather, your airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge, but you are not owed a refund.
  • Call your airline directly rather than going to the airport if you see a closure notice — they can tell you your flight status before you leave home.

Check the FAA website first for official status

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a real-time status page at faa.gov/air_traffic/delays. Type in the airport code (ORD for O'Hare, MDW for Midway) and you will see whether the airport is open, closed, or operating with delays. The page also shows the reason — weather, equipment failure, staffing, or other causes — and an estimate of how long the condition will last.

This page updates every few minutes and is the source airlines and news outlets use. It does not require you to log in or read anything. If the FAA page says the airport is open, your flight is not cancelled due to a closure, though it may still be delayed.

Check the airport's own website for details

O'Hare International Airport posts closure and delay notices at oharegov.com. Look for the "Flight Information" or "Airport Status" section near the top of the page. The site shows which terminals or runways are affected and whether the closure is expected to last hours or days.

Midway International Airport posts the same information at flymidway.com under "Flight Information" or "Airport Status." Both airports also post updates on their social media accounts (Twitter/X and Facebook), which sometimes move faster than the website during active emergencies.

Call your airline if you cannot reach the airport website

If the airport website is slow or you need to know your specific flight's status, call your airline directly. The number is on your ticket or confirmation email. Have your confirmation number ready. The airline can tell you whether your flight is cancelled, delayed, or still on schedule — and they can rebook you when ready if needed.

Do not rely on the airport's general status page to know your flight's fate. An airport can be open but your specific flight can still be cancelled due to crew availability, mechanical issues, or other reasons unrelated to the airport closure.

What happens if your flight is cancelled due to closure

If the airport is closed and your flight is cancelled, your airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra charge. This applies even if the next flight is the following day or on a different airline. You do not have to pay a change fee.

You are not owed a refund or cash compensation if the cancellation is due to weather or other circumstances beyond the airline's control. However, you may be owed a meal, hotel, or ground transportation depending on how long you are delayed and your airline's policy. Ask the airline what they will cover before you make your own arrangements.

Partial closures and runway restrictions

A partial closure means some runways or terminals are shut down, but the airport is still operating. This causes delays rather than cancellations. For example, heavy snow might close one runway, forcing planes to use fewer runways and space out their takeoffs. Your flight may still depart, but several hours late.

The FAA status page will show "Ground Delay Program" or "Ground Stop" if this is happening. Ground delays mean all planes heading to that airport are held at their departure airports until the situation improves. Your airline will tell you the new departure time, which can change every 15 to 30 minutes during an active delay.

Winter weather and seasonal closures

Chicago's winter weather (December through March) causes the most closures. Heavy snow, ice on runways, and wind gusts over 30 mph can force temporary shutdowns. These usually last a few hours, but severe storms can close an airport for a full day or longer.

If you are flying during winter, check the FAA and airport websites the night before and the morning of your flight. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual on snowy or icy days — not because the airport will close, but because security lines and parking lots move slower. If you see a closure notice in the morning, call your airline before leaving home rather than driving to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both Chicago airports close at the same time?

Yes, but it is rare. A severe blizzard or major accident could close both O'Hare and Midway simultaneously. If this happens, the FAA will post it on their status page and both airports' websites will show closure notices. Your airline will contact you about rebooking.

How long do airport closures usually last?

Most closures last two to six hours. Severe winter storms can last longer — sometimes 12 to 24 hours. The FAA status page shows an estimated duration, though this can change as conditions improve or worsen.

What if my flight is delayed but not cancelled — do I get compensation?

U.S. law does not require airlines to pay compensation for weather delays. You may be owed meals or hotel stays depending on the delay length and your airline's policy, but cash compensation is not may provide for weather-related delays.

Should I go to the airport if I see a closure notice?

No. Call your airline first to confirm your flight is cancelled and get a new departure time. Going to the airport during a closure wastes time and gas. The airline can rebook you over the phone.

Where do I find my airport code if I do not know it?

Check your airline ticket, confirmation email, or boarding pass — the airport code is printed there. O'Hare is ORD and Midway is MDW. You can also search "[your destination city] airport code" online.