The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday evening, August 21, 2026. The ground stop was set to remain in effect through 6:30 p.m., with inbound flights held at their departure points.
Severe thunderstorms approaching the Chicago region prompted the FAA to halt arrivals. Severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for some Chicago-area counties, and much of the region was placed under a severe thunderstorm watch.
Departing flights from O’Hare experienced average delays of 45 minutes as the storm-related ground stop created operational challenges. Flights were held at their departure
airports, and the resulting congestion led to backed-up taxiways and crowded gates at the airport.
The FAA planned to transition from the ground stop to a Ground Delay Program to gradually resume arrivals while managing traffic flow amid the adverse weather conditions.
