CHICAGOโฃ (WLS) – โAโ temporary ground stop โat Chicago O’Hare International Airport, โขimplemented Saturday due to staffing issues stemming from theโ ongoing government shutdown, has โbeen lifted as of โฃSaturday afternoon, according to the Federalโค Aviation โขAdministration.โ While local disruptionsโ have โขeased, โขthe nationwide impact of the shutdown continues to mount, with over 900 flights canceled across the U.S.
The ground stop at O’Hareโฃ lasted from 11:24 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Central Time, withโ initial forecasts indicating a potential extension. Together, a departure delay impacting flights was also in effect, averaging 15 minutes andโ increasing throughout the afternoon. These disruptions are a direct outcome of federal employees workingโ without pay,with some reportedly seeking additional employment to cover expenses during the shutdown.The FAA is currently โlimiting flight capacity at 40 major U.S. airportsโ in response to the staffing challenges.As of 10 p.m. โSaturday, O’Hare reportedโข 100 flight cancellations, โand Midwayโ Airport recorded 18 cancellations. The situation highlights โthe vulnerability of the nation’s air travel systemโฃ during prolongedโข government closures and the immediate financial strain placed onโ federal workers.
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