On behalf of the Midwest Aviation Coalition and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, we disagree with the Tribune that airlines should voluntarily reduce scheduled flights to address travel delays (“Too many planes at O’Hare,” Editorial, Aug. 3).
While delays are indeed a problem, there is a practical and near-term solution that can address them.
The Federal Aviation Administration must act quickly to approve modernization plans at O’Hare International Airport.
As the Tribune rightly points out, ” . . . caps retard economy activity . . . ” and “That flights will have to be reduced though demand grows is bitter news for the Chicago economy.”
A voluntary reduction in flight or the reimposition of flight caps only punishes local businesses and consumers by limiting flight options and likely raising their ticket prices as well.
Increased demand for flights is a great argument for airport expansion, so let’s talk about it. Let’s approach expansion with urgency and make it a reality for the not-so-distant future, rather than offering weak, Band-Aid solutions that continue to hinder economic growth. The first phase of the modernization program can be completed in relative short order and provide immediate relief to the millions of passengers moving through O’Hare annually and provide a boost to our economy.
It’s time to get the shovels in the ground.
