- Flight Disruptions
- Chicago O'Hare disruptions leave 207 flights canceled and 1,218 delayed
Chicago O'Hare disruptions leave 207 flights canceled and 1,218 delayed
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on June 22, 2026
1,425
Affected flights
1
Affected airports
11
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Major disruption hit Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on 18 June 2026, with 207 flights canceled and 1,218 delayed across carriers including SkyWest Airlines, Republic Airways, and Envoy Air. The problems started in the morning and continued through the day, spreading across domestic routes and international connections from Toronto and London to Doha, Tokyo, and Seoul. For many travelers, that meant missed connections, crowded terminals, long lines for help, and uncertainty over onward plans as airlines worked to reposition aircraft and crews. Because no confirmed cause was given, compensation isn't clear yet, but passengers on routes covered by EC 261 may still want to check their rights.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to $650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
Severe disruption hit Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on 18 June 2026, leaving 207 flights canceled and another 1,218 flights delayed. For passengers, this meant missed connections, long lines at service desks, crowded terminals, and in many cases being unable to start their trip as planned.
The problems began in the morning and continued throughout the day, affecting thousands of travelers at a major hub in the United States. With Chicago O'Hare handling a large mix of domestic and international traffic, the disruption quickly spread beyond Chicago and into onward journeys around the world.
Some airlines were hit harder than others:
SkyWest Airlines canceled 87 flights and delayed 216.
Republic Airways canceled 35 flights and delayed 63.
Envoy Air canceled 34 flights and delayed 155.
GoJet Airlines canceled 24 flights and delayed 75, while Contour Airlines canceled 9 flights and delayed 4.
American Airlines canceled 6 flights and delayed 217, Delta Air Lines canceled 5 and delayed 44, and United Airlines canceled 1 and delayed 366.
Smaller numbers of disrupted flights were also reported by Air Canada, Endeavor Air, and Jazz Aviation. Because Chicago O'Hare is such a major connection point, the knock-on effects reached passengers flying to more than 40 cities across the United States, including Louisville, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cincinnati, Boston, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Milwaukee.
International travel was also affected. Connections to Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, Doha, Dubai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul all faced extra uncertainty, and many travelers ended up dealing with missed onward flights and long waits for help.
No single cause had been confirmed on 18 June 2026. Airlines and airport teams said safety remained the top priority, while telling passengers to keep checking mobile apps, email alerts, and live flight trackers for the latest rebooking information.
Authorities at ORD urged travelers to remain calm, verify their flight status before heading to the airport, and stay flexible with their plans. Airlines also encouraged passengers to use self-service tools where possible, while recovery efforts focused on repositioning aircraft and crews so schedules could start returning to normal.
Because the cause has not been pinned down, compensation isn't clear yet. If your journey was on a route covered by EC 261, whether you can claim may depend on what caused the disruption and whether it was within the airline's control. Even when compensation is uncertain, you should still look at the support available for your flight, such as rebooking or a refund after a cancellation. If you were affected, AirHelp's free flight checker can help you understand whether compensation could still apply.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
1425
Airlines affected
Skywest Airlines, Republic Airline Inc, Envoy Air Inc, GoJet Airlines, Lao Central Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Pinnacle Airlines, Air Canada Jazz
Airports affected
O'Hare International Airport
Cities affected
Chicago
Countries affected
United States
Start date
2026-06-18
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
June 22, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
