Southwest Airlines recently announced it will stop flights out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport starting June 4, 2026. This decision affects all travel involving O’Hare after that date, while trips scheduled before June 3 will not be impacted.
For travelers needing alternative options, Southwest offers rebooking through Chicago Midway International Airport, its main hub. Flights from nearby Milwaukee or Indianapolis are also available. If you have unused tickets for dates after June 4, you can get a refund.
The airline did not provide specific reasons for this change, but transportation expert Joe Schwieterman from DePaul University finds the decision surprising. He noted that O’Hare is a key airport in the U.S. air system. Five years ago, Southwest aimed to expand its reach by entering O’Hare, but it now faces challenges.
A possible factor in this decision is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considering capping the number of flights at O’Hare. Schwieterman pointed out that if the FAA enforces flight reductions, it could create significant issues for Southwest. With other airlines like United and American increasing their flights, O’Hare’s capacity is under pressure. The Chicago Department of Aviation believes the airport can handle 2,800 flights daily, while the FAA might suggest limiting operations to 2,400.
Pushing operational limits could lead to delays and complications, especially during adverse weather or air traffic control issues. Schwieterman cautioned about the risks involved in such high volume.
As of now, travelers should stay informed about their travel options and ticketing changes. For more details, visit Southwest’s travel advisory page.
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Chicago, Southwest Airlines, O'Hare International Airport
