O'Hare flight caps on United and American may last until 2034

The Federal Aviation Administration's flight caps at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) could remain in place until the ORDNext construction programme is completed in 2034, according to a United Airlines executive. Simple Flying reports that United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella made the comment to CBS News Chicago. The limits affect both United Airlines and American Airlines, the two largest carriers at the hub, and therefore passengers travelling through Chicago.

What the caps involve

According to Simple Flying, the FAA is currently limiting more than 2,700 daily takeoffs and landings to reduce the risk of severe congestion and delays. The agency recently extended the limits through the end of October 2027, but Nocella indicated they could persist until ORDNext is finished. The FAA imposed the caps because construction periodically takes taxiways and gates out of service, restricting airfield and gate capacity.

Impact on United and American

Simple Flying says the caps have forced both airlines to scale back planned growth at the shared hub. United is described as the hardest hit: it has paused up to 11 regional and international routes, including ten new regional Midwest services and a route to Guadalajara. The outlet also states that United had to cut 10% of its flight operations, and that the limits constrain its ambition to run up to 1,000 daily flights. American's plans to operate more than 500 daily flights are likewise constrained, and it reduced its summer schedule expansion plan.

An American representative told Simple Flying that the FAA's order has helped reduce the risk of congestion and disruption, creating a "more predictable travel experience" for customers. The FAA and United had not responded when the article was published. For a wider look at the two carriers, see our American Airlines vs United Airlines comparison.

The ORDNext programme

Simple Flying describes ORDNext as a terminal modernisation and expansion programme costing more than $9.8 billion. It includes two satellite concourses near Terminal 1 and a full overhaul of Terminal 2, and is expected to increase gate capacity by up to 14%. A new 19-gate, 580,000-square-foot satellite concourse broke ground in August 2025 and is expected to open in late 2028. Construction of new central terminal facilities is expected between 2029 and 2033, with a first phase of additional Concourse E gate capacity planned to begin this year.

What this means for travellers

• Fewer new nonstop routes from Chicago are likely while growth is frozen, particularly regional Midwest services and some international links.
• Simple Flying says passengers can expect fewer direct options and higher fares on peak routes with limited seat availability until the programme is complete.
• The current caps run to the end of October 2027; whether they continue to 2034 is so far a United executive's expectation, not an FAA decision.
• Travellers may find more predictable operations, as American argues the caps reduce congestion and disruption.

It is not yet clear which specific routes could return once capacity improves.

Sources: Simple Flying