URGENT UPDATE: The holiday travel rush has intensified in the Chicago area as travelers head out to celebrate the New Year. TSA anticipates a record-setting year for holiday travel in 2025. By 10 a.m. today, O’Hare International Airport reported 28 cancellations, primarily due to weather-related issues.
As fog rolled into the region early on Friday, visibility was reduced at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports, according to ABC7 meteorologist Jaisol Martinez. Despite these challenges, the bustling terminals are filled with travelers eager to reach their destinations. Dave Kelley, who is returning to Florida after spending Christmas in Chicago, described the atmosphere as relatively calm, stating, “Not too bad, no one’s yelling or anything like that. It’s fairly early, so everyone’s pretty chill.”
In a significant development, passenger volume in Chicago is projected to increase nearly 6% compared to last year’s travel period. The busiest day at O’Hare already occurred on December 20, while Midway is preparing for its peak travel day on December 27. Nationwide, the TSA expects the heaviest travel volume on Sunday.
For those planning to drive, AAA has warned that traffic will be heaviest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly as the combination of increased passenger volume and potential weather disruptions may lead to delays.
As the holiday season continues, travelers are urged to stay informed and check flight statuses regularly. Authorities will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay tuned for further developments in this rapidly evolving situation.
