The Airport Transit System at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport was down Thursday morning, officials confirmed, just as spring break travel begins to heat up.
The Airport Transit System at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was down Thursday morning, officials confirmed, just as spring break travel begins to heat up.
According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, the system was "temporarily out of service" as of just before 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
Shuttle buses were transporting passengers between economy parking, the Multi-Modal facility and all airport terminals, officials said.
"ATS engineers are working to restore service. Allow extra time," the airport wrote on X.
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is temporarily out of service. Shuttle buses are providing passenger connections between economy parking, the Multi-Modal Facility and all terminals. ATS engineers are working to restore service. Allow extra time.
— O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) March 20, 2025
By 10:30 a.m., the system had resumed service.
The issues come as Chicago anticipates millions of travelers at the city's airports between Thursday and March 31.
Local
“Chicago’s airports are ready to welcome travelers this spring break with world-class amenities, dedicated staff, and enhanced services,” Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said in a statement earlier Thursday morning. “Whether passengers are departing, arriving, or connecting, they can expect a streamlined and enjoyable travel experience at O’Hare and Midway.”
O'Hare is expected to see an increase in passengers from 2024's spring travel period, but its busiest day is projected to be Friday.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
Still, officials warned that parking lots at O'Hare often reach capacity "during busy holiday travel periods."
Meanwhile, travelers were urged to give themselves extra time and to expect longer-than-usual wait times for security.