Originally Posted by
vanillabean
I’m on AA 696 OMA-ORD this evening. The incoming flight from ORD has taken off with arrival estimated to be on time. Still my flight has gotten a delay of first 35 minutes, now 55 minutes. Perhaps the arrival of it is impacted by the federal shutdown, specifically with the air traffic feeling the heat and the city of Chicago too.
Delays spread to major airports across the country, as the seventh day of government shutdown impacts travelers
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/07/us/sh...acts-travelers
CNN isn't a source for anything reliable. FAA ATCSCC is reporting an average 41 min ground delay for ORD currently due to staffing, with the delay program expected to be in effect until 0400z, 8 Oct, (0100 CST). Honestly 41 minutes in the penalty box at ORD is just about normal during the evening banks.