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

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) are the two airports serving Chicago. O'Hare is the larger hub; Midway handles fewer flights but serves many of the same destinations. When you hear "Chicago airport," it usually means O'Hare, but your flight may depart from either one. Both airports post real-time status on their own websites and on the FAA's National Airspace System Status Resource page.

An airport is technically "open" when it is accepting and departing flights, but weather, mechanical issues, or staffing problems can slow operations without a full closure. You need to check the specific airport your flight uses, not just whether the city has service.

Key Takeaways

  • O'Hare and Midway each post their own operational status on their websites; check the one your flight uses.
  • The FAA's National Airspace System Status Resource shows delays and closures for all U.S. airports in real time.
  • Your airline's website or app will show your specific flight status, which is more useful than airport status alone.
  • Weather delays and ground stops can keep an airport open but cause hours of delay; airport status pages distinguish between these.

Check O'Hare's status directly

O'Hare publishes its operational status at flychicago.com under the "Flight Information" or "Airport Status" section. The page shows whether the airport is operating normally, experiencing delays, or closed. It also lists the reason — weather, mechanical issues, air traffic control delays, or staffing problems — and gives an estimated time for return to normal operations.

O'Hare's website also displays current weather conditions at the airport and links to live departure and arrival boards. If you are checking from home, the status page is faster than calling; if you are already at the airport, the departure boards in the terminals are the most current.

Check Midway's status directly

Midway publishes its operational status at flymidway.com under "Flight Information" or "Airport Status." Like O'Hare, it shows whether operations are normal, delayed, or halted, and the reason why. Midway is smaller and experiences fewer delays overall, but weather and mechanical issues affect it the same way.

If your flight departs from Midway and you see a delay posted there, check your airline's app or website to see whether your specific flight is affected. Not all flights experience the same delay; some may depart on time while others are held.

Use the FAA's real-time status page

The FAA National Airspace System Status Resource (at faa.gov/nas) shows delays and closures for every major U.S. airport. Type "Chicago" or the airport code (ORD for O'Hare, MDW for Midway) into the search box. The page displays the current status, the reason for any delay or closure, and how long the delay is expected to last.

This page is useful if you want to cross-check what the airport's own website says, or if you are trying to understand why your flight is delayed when the airport says it is operating normally. Ground stops and traffic delays show up here even when the airport itself is technically open.

Check your airline's flight status instead

Your airline's website or mobile app will show your specific flight's status — on time, delayed, or cancelled — regardless of the airport's overall status. Go to your airline's homepage, enter your confirmation number and last name, and pull up your flight. This is more useful than checking the airport, because your flight may be delayed while others depart normally, or cancelled while the airport is operating.

Most airlines send text or email alerts when your flight status changes. If you have not received an alert and the airport status page shows delays, check your airline's app directly rather than waiting for a notification.

Understand the difference between open and delayed

An airport can be "open" and still have significant delays. A ground stop means no flights can take off for a set period, usually one to three hours, while air traffic control manages congestion or weather clears. During a ground stop, the airport is technically open but no departures are moving. A weather delay means flights are taking off, but more slowly than usual.

A full closure is rare and usually happens only during severe weather, natural disasters, or security incidents. Most of what you will see is a delay — the airport is operating, but slower. Your airline's app will tell you how long your specific flight is delayed; the airport status page will tell you why.

What to do if you cannot reach the airport website

If the airport website is slow or down, call the airport directly. O'Hare's main number is 773-686-2200; Midway's is 773-838-0600. Both have automated status lines that play a recorded message about current conditions. You can also call your airline's customer service line; they have real-time access to airport status and can tell you whether your flight is affected.

Social media is not reliable for airport status. While airports post updates on Twitter and Facebook, these are not always current, and misinformation spreads quickly. Stick to the official website, the FAA page, or your airline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do Chicago airports close completely?

Full closures are uncommon. O'Hare and Midway close only during severe weather (heavy snow, ice storms), natural disasters, or security incidents. Partial closures and ground stops happen a few times per year, usually lasting one to three hours. Most disruptions are delays, not closures.

Will my flight be cancelled if the airport is delayed?

Not necessarily. A delay at the airport does not mean your flight will be cancelled. Your airline decides whether to hold the flight, depart late, or cancel based on crew availability, fuel, and passenger connections. Check your airline's app for your specific flight status rather than assuming a delay means cancellation.

What should I do if my flight is cancelled due to airport closure?

Contact your airline when ready through their app, website, or phone line. They will rebook you on the next available flight to your destination, usually at no extra cost. If the closure lasts more than a few hours, ask about hotel and meal vouchers; policies vary by airline and reason for closure.

Can I get to the airport if it is closed?

You can drive to the airport, but no flights will depart. If the airport is closed, there is no reason to go there. Wait for the airport to reopen before heading to the terminal. Check the airport website or your airline for an estimated reopening time.

Is there a difference between a ground stop and a closure?

Yes. A ground stop means no flights can take off for a set period, but the airport remains open and flights can land. A closure means the airport is not accepting any operations. Ground stops usually last one to three hours; closures can last longer depending on the cause.