UPDATE: The holiday travel rush is intensifying in the Chicago area as thousands prepare to head out for the New Year. With the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicting 2025 will break records for holiday travel, travelers are experiencing a mix of bustling airports and weather-related disruptions.
As of 10 a.m. today, O’Hare Airport has reported 28 cancellations, primarily attributed to dense fog affecting visibility. Meanwhile, the situation at Midway Airport is also challenging, with travelers urged to stay informed about potential delays.
ABC7 meteorologist Jaisol Martinez has been monitoring the fog that rolled in early Friday morning, impacting operations at both airports. Despite these challenges, many travelers expressed a sense of calm. “Not too bad, no one’s yelling or anything like that. It’s fairly early, so everyone’s pretty chill,” said traveler Kosi Ogbuli.
Passenger volume in Chicago is projected to increase by nearly 6% compared to last year’s travel period. The busiest travel day at O’Hare was recorded on December 20, while Midway’s peak is expected tomorrow, December 27. Nationwide, the TSA anticipates the heaviest traffic this weekend, particularly on Sunday.
For those hitting the roads, AAA forecasts traffic congestion to peak today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it crucial for drivers to plan accordingly.
As travelers continue to navigate the holiday rush, officials emphasize the importance of staying updated on flight statuses and weather conditions. The combination of increased passenger volumes and challenging weather makes this holiday travel period one of the most significant in recent memory.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we follow the latest travel trends and advisories impacting Chicago and beyond.
