How United, American, Air France, Iberia, All Nippon, Icelandair, Southwest, and Other Airlines Are Facing Over Seven Hundred Delays and Multiple Cancellations at Chicago O’Hare and Widespread Travel Chaos Across US Due to Severe Winds

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Severe southwest winds reaching up to 50 mph are forcing widespread delays and cancellations for United, American, Air France, Iberia, All Nippon, Icelandair, Southwest, and other airlines at Chicago O’Hare and airports across the US by making takeoffs, landings, and ground operations unsafe. These high winds are slowing down air traffic, causing diversions, and leading to cascading disruptions nationwide, with 764 flight delays and 48 cancellations at O’Hare alone. The situation is worsening as strong winds increase fire risks, make driving hazardous for high-profile vehicles, and raise concerns about power outages. To add to the chaos, a wave of rain is expected to transition into wet snow overnight in northern Illinois, threatening further travel disruptions into Sunday.

Severe winds are causing major travel disruptions across Chicago O’Hare International Airport and other airports across the US, leading to over 700 flight delays and dozens of cancellations. A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 5 PM CDT (6 PM EDT), with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, significantly impacting flight schedules and road travel.

Severe Winds Cause Travel Disruptions at Chicago O’Hare

A powerful wind system is bringing southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, affecting air and road travel across Illinois, Indiana, and other parts of the US. The high wind warning was canceled, but the Wind Advisory remains in effect, creating hazardous conditions for flights, ground transportation, and power infrastructure.

Flight Delays and Cancellations at Chicago O’Hare

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the most heavily impacted airports due to the strong winds, with 764 total delays and 48 cancellations so far today.

Total Travel Disruptions at O’Hare Today:

• Total delays: 764
• Total delays within, into, or out of the US: 764
• Total cancellations: 48
• Total cancellations within, into, or out of the US: 48

Several airlines are reporting significant disruptions, affecting both domestic and international travel.

Airline-Specific Flight Disruptions

Airline	Canceled Flights	% Canceled	Delayed Flights	% Delayed
United Airlines	2	0%	196	34%
American Airlines	0	0%	91	36%
Southwest Airlines	0	0%	14	58%
Air France	1	33%	2	66%
Iberia	0	0%	1	50%
All Nippon Airways	0	0%	1	25%
Icelandair	0	0%	1	50%
Envoy Air	12	7%	63	38%
Republic Airlines	10	3%	101	39%
SkyWest Airlines	9	2%	89	28%
Air Wisconsin	8	8%	42	42%
Piedmont Airlines	4	7%	21	40%
Air Canada	2	20%	6	60%
Delta Air Lines	0	0%	19	45%
JetBlue	0	0%	6	100%

With more than 700 delays and multiple cancellations, passengers are experiencing long wait times and uncertainty about their flights. Airlines are advising travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to prepare for possible rebooking and extended layovers.

Why Severe Winds Are Disrupting Travel Across the US

Strong winds are not just affecting flights at O’Hare but also creating travel chaos across other major airports in the US. The primary reasons for these disruptions include:

• High Winds Impacting Aircraft Operations: Wind gusts up to 50 mph make it difficult for aircraft to take off and land safely, leading to delays, diversions, and cancellations.
• Ground Delays Due to Safety Concerns: Airlines and air traffic controllers reduce flight activity during extreme winds to avoid turbulence, mechanical stress, and runway safety risks.
• Delayed Departures Affect Nationwide Schedules: Since O’Hare is a major hub, delays at Chicago ripple across the US, affecting flights in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and other major airports.

Road Travel Disruptions and Weather Conditions

The severe winds are also affecting ground transportation. With gusts reaching 50 mph, driving conditions are becoming dangerous for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and RVs.

Key risks for drivers include:

• Reduced visibility due to blowing debris.
• Falling tree limbs that could block roads or knock out power.
• Traffic light outages, creating hazardous intersections.

Authorities are warning motorists to use extra caution, reduce speed, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind hours.

What’s Next: Rain, Snow, and More Delays

While winds are expected to gradually weaken tonight, another weather system is approaching, bringing:

• A wave of precipitation overnight, starting as rain.
• Snow accumulation in northern Illinois by early Sunday morning.
• The possibility of more delays and hazardous road conditions.

The transition to accumulating wet snow in parts of northern Illinois could create slippery roads and additional travel disruptions on Sunday morning.

Severe 50 mph winds are causing unsafe flying conditions, forcing over 700 delays and multiple cancellations for United, American, Air France, Iberia, All Nippon, Icelandair, Southwest, and other airlines at Chicago O’Hare and airports across the US. The disruptions are worsening as wind-related hazards impact air traffic, road travel, and power stability, with rain transitioning to wet snow overnight, creating further travel chaos.

What Travelers Should Do Next

For those with upcoming travel plans, it is essential to:

• Check airline websites or apps for real-time flight updates.
• Allow extra time at the airport due to increased security lines and rebooking delays.
• Prepare for potential overnight airport stays in case of flight cancellations.
• Use caution when driving, especially in areas expecting snow overnight.

The severe winds continue to cause major disruptions at Chicago O’Hare and airports across the US, affecting both domestic and international travelers. With over 700 delays and multiple cancellations, passengers should stay updated and prepared for further schedule changes and possible weather-related complications into Sunday.

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