New flight landing patterns after decrease in air traffic?

[Ponch8]

Before the pandemic, airplanes coming in for landings at O’Hare would follow a predictable pattern on typical days when the wind is blowing from the west: there would be a solid line of airplanes flying from east (coming in over Lake Michigan) to west. Airplanes within my view were generally the smaller passenger jets (737’s and the like), while larger planes (e.g., 747’s) would generally be on a path that was further south and out of view from where I live.

Ever since the major decrease in air traffic started, I’ve noticed that the flight patterns have changed as well. Today a couple airplanes flying over my head were heading south. Also, I’ve seen a few 747’s flying nearly directly overhead.

Anybody know what’s going on?

[Kent_Clark]

Here’s the first thing I found.

At O’Hare, the primary runways face east to west. In east flow, aircraft depart the primary runways to the east; arriving aircraft approach from the west. Generally, east flow conditions occur during periods of inclement weather. Conversely, in west flow, aircraft depart the primary runways to the west and arrivals come from the east.

Due to prevailing winds, the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower can sometimes use the same runways for an extended period of time. At times one may notice a shift in the way airplanes fly over an area, and this is usually because the “flow” has changed and different runways are in use.

Runway usage is primarily dictated by the prevailing winds, although it is important to note that winds aloft can vary in speed and direction from winds at ground level. During calm wind conditions and air traffic permitting, it is not uncommon for FAA Air Traffic Control to approve a pilot’s request to depart in the opposite direction. This is done in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65X.

Which way has the wind been blowing? Planes could be using the crosswind runways, which run basically NE/SW.

[Ponch8]

Thanks! Lately with the summer weather, the winds have been from the west or southwest. I should have pointed out that I live not far from the lake, so I’m pretty far from O’Hare. That’s why I found it so odd to have airplanes over my head flying due south.

[jnglmassiv]

I’m mobile and cites are difficult but I was pretty sure the takeoffs and approaches were rotated for noise reduction reasons. Also, I’ve noticed at least one runway been closed the the last few months. There’s a big X in lights across the one that ‘points’ toward the Rosemont Horizon/Allstate Arena.

[kferr]

You can use FlightRadar24 to watch what’s going on. I’ve been using this for years to watch the flights to/from my local airport, Farnborough , UK. If I zoom out just a bit I can see both Heathrow and Gatwick, the two busiest UK airports. Traffic is very much reduced now. The final approach paths haven’t changed but the holding patterns are rarely needed.