The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to lift flight caps at Chicago O’Hare when the current restrictions expire
Current limits on the number of departures per hour will expire at the end of October and coincide with the opening of a new runway.
The move will mean an additional five flights each hour, giving passengers greater choice.
Robert Sturgell, Acting Administrator of the FAA, said: “The city of Chicago has outdone itself when it comes to boosting capacity.
“The extension of an existing runway two months ahead of schedule, together with the completion of a new runway later this year, will allow for an additional four to five arrivals per hour.”
The FAA originally capped flights at O’Hare in 2004 in an attempt to reduce congestion and cut delays.
Robert Daley, Mayor of Chicago, welcomed the news and said the city remains fully committed to its airport renovation plan, which is due for completion in 2014.
© Adfero Ltd
