Updated September 20, 2026: This story uses live or recently published sources where available. Flight totals can change throughout the day, so travelers should confirm the exact flight with the operating airline.
Chicago's weekend rain created major disruption at O'Hare and Midway on September 19. NBC Chicago reported 347 canceled flights at O'Hare by 2:32 p.m., with average delays of 68 minutes, while Midway reported 71 cancellations. The FAA also put O'Hare under a ground-delay program to manage arriving-aircraft congestion.
What is happening at O'Hare now?
The latest Flightradar24 airport snapshot available for O'Hare shows 968 delayed flights and 237 cancellations, with an average delay of about 98 minutes and a high disruption index. These figures are live and can move in either direction.
Why yesterday's rain can affect today's flights
Weather disruption does not end when the rain eases. Aircraft and crews may be out of position, gates can remain congested and later departures can inherit earlier delays. That is why a passenger can see a delay even when conditions at O'Hare look better.
What travelers should check
- Check your airline's official flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Check your inbound aircraft if the airline provides its registration or tracking information.
- Allow additional time for security, baggage and connections.
- If you have a same-day connection, ask about alternatives early.
Quick answer
O'Hare had hundreds of cancellations during Saturday's heavy rain, and the airport is still showing significant live delays in current tracking data. Your exact airline status remains more important than the airport-wide average.
FAQs
Are O'Hare flights delayed today?
Yes. A current FlightAware snapshot shows average O'Hare arrival and departure delays of more than an hour.
How many flights were canceled at O'Hare?
NBC Chicago reported 347 cancellations by 2:32 p.m. on September 19.
Was Midway affected?
Yes. NBC Chicago reported 71 Midway cancellations during the same Saturday weather event.
Why does the FAA use a ground delay program?
It meters departures so traffic arriving at a congested airport can be managed safely and efficiently.
Sources and live checks
NBC Chicago: O'Hare cancellations and delays
