FAA Issues Emergency Ground Stop at Chicago Midway After Aircraft Becomes Disabled on Runway
CHICAGO, IL — Air travel across Illinois was disrupted Sunday night after the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency ground stop at Midway International Airport, following reports that an aircraft had become disabled on an active runway.
Runway Incident Forces Immediate Suspension of Flights
According to the FAA, the aircraft became disabled shortly before Sunday night departures were scheduled. While officials did not detail the cause, the agency confirmed no injuries were reported and that crews were dispatched immediately to secure the aircraft and assess the runway.
The ground stop halted all departing flights and caused delays for arriving aircraft, forcing some incoming flights to hold or divert while operations at Midway came to a temporary standstill.
Passengers Warned of Significant Delays
The FAA said delays could last into the night as airport teams work to:
- Remove the disabled aircraft
- Inspect the affected runway for damage or debris
- Restore normal traffic flow safely
Travelers were advised to check directly with their airlines for updated departure and arrival times, as some flights were expected to be pushed back or re-routed during the recovery process.
Slow Return to Normal Operations Expected
As of late Sunday, FAA officials reported that operations were expected to resume gradually once the runway was fully cleared and verified safe. Additional operational updates were expected to be released through official FAA communication channels.
The incident comes during a busy travel season, adding strain to already crowded flight schedules across the Chicago area.
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