Association calls failure of investment an inadequate excuse for flight cuts from Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Washington D.C., United States, Tuesday 28th April 2026: The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has criticized the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to cut hundreds of daily flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, warning that the move reflects long-standing failures to invest in aviation infrastructure and air traffic control.
The FAA has ordered airlines to reduce operations at O’Hare to 2,708 daily flights during the summer season, down from more than 3,000 planned peak-day movements, in a bid to reduce delays and congestion at one of the United States’ busiest cargo and passenger hubs.
“This is not a surprise, it is the consequence of years of underinvestment in airport infrastructure and a failure to adequately staff the air traffic control system,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“When demand outpaces what the system can safely handle, the result is disruption, reduced capacity, and higher costs that ripple across the supply chain.”
The AfA warned that cutting flights at a major global gateway will constrain air cargo capacity, increase delays, and add further pressure to already strained supply chains, particularly for time-sensitive shipments.
The Association also reiterated its call for an immediate resolution to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, warning the situation is approaching a critical point for aviation security.
More than 780 Transportation Security Administration officers have resigned during the shutdown and funding for the twice-monthly payroll is expected to end in early May.
“While aviation security remains robust, the longer-term impact of workforce disruption is real,” said Fried.
“We urgently need a resolution that restores stability, including a sustainable, long-term approach to pay for Transportation Security Administration personnel.”
The AfA is calling on federal authorities to take coordinated action to address infrastructure constraints, rebuild staffing resilience, and ensure that policy decisions support, rather than restrict, the efficient movement of goods.
About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents hundreds of U.S companies dedicated to moving cargo through the supply chain on all modes of transport.
AfA has been supporting member companies of all sizes for 35 years, acting as the voice of the industry and lobbying legislators to help drive sustainable practices and ensure resilient, safe, secure supply chains.
As an alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and related businesses operating across the global transportation community, we represent member companies dedicated to moving air cargo through the supply chain.
Our members include not only air forwarders, but truckers, airlines, warehouse operators and businesses delivering a range of supporting services including technology, training, compliance, insurance and legal, just to name a few industries.
From campaigning for better national infrastructure to opening discussions about carbon reductions and digitilization – AfA has promoted hundreds of its members and streamlined business models to continue the growing industry.