Ground Delay Issued At O'Hare Airport On Tuesday After Pipe Burst At Control Tower

CBS Chicago

Updated on: January 20, 2026 / 9:54 AM CST

A burst pipe caused a ground delay at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed flight delays could reach an average of over an hour and 20 minutes. FAA officials said the ground delay is due to "equipment issues."

A passenger on a flight to Chicago from New Mexico said their pilot told them a pipe burst in the control tower, which in turn is affecting airport operations and prompted the ground delay. The passenger told CBS News Chicago the pilot said it was possible for them to leave on time if they board quickly, but if boarding is slow, then they could face a four-hour delay.

Click here for the full story via CBS Chicago