URGENT UPDATE: Holiday travel is surging in the Chicago area as travelers flock to airports for the New Year. As of 10 a.m. today, TSA reports 28 flight cancellations at O’Hare Airport, primarily due to foggy weather conditions.
Chicago’s O’Hare is buzzing with passengers, while Midway Airport braces for its peak travel day on December 27. ABC7 meteorologist Jaisol Martinez is monitoring fog that has reduced visibility, but most travelers report smooth journeys so far. “Not too bad, no one’s yelling or anything like that. It’s fairly early, so everyone’s pretty chill,” says traveler Kosi Ogbuli.
Nationwide, the TSA anticipates a record-setting travel year, with passenger volume expected to rise nearly 6% compared to last year’s holiday season. The busiest travel day at O’Hare already occurred on December 20, while Midway expects its peak on Saturday.
For those driving, AAA warns of heavy traffic today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.. With many families returning home after the holidays, the atmosphere remains tense yet hopeful as travelers navigate their way through the bustling airports.
As the holiday rush continues, officials urge travelers to arrive early and stay updated on flight statuses, especially with potential weather disruptions. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
