O'Hare, Midway Airports Open Thursday on Limited Basis
Daley Announces Memorial Observances For Terrorist Victims
September 13, 2001 – Mayor Richard M. Daley announced today that O'Hare and Midway airports reopened at noon today on a very limited basis.
The first operations will be the repositioning of empty planes to and from the two airports to help the nation's aviation system gradually get up and running.
"I can't emphasize strongly enough that the resumption of air travel will be a long and tedious process," Daley said at a news conference at the City's Emergency Communications Center. "It will take days, maybe even weeks, to get things back to normal."
United and Southwest airlines have informed the City that they will not resume passenger service today. American, Delta, Northwest, US Air and Continental say they plan very limited passenger travel today.
The Mayor warned travelers not to go to an airport unless they have confirmed with an airline that they have a reservation on a flight and that the flight is scheduled to leave.
He advised passengers to get to the airport at least two hours before flight time and to expect tightened security measures, including a ban on curbside check-in. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through security and written receipts will be required for electronic tickets.
The Mayor reported that the City Department of Consumer Services has found no evidence of gasoline price gouging in the city, and he asked residents to report any instances of gouging to the department by calling 311.
He said BP Amoco officials have informed the City Department of Environment that there is no shortage of gasoline and no reason for gas stations to raise prices.
"They are telling their retailers to keep prices where they are and I urge other companies to follow their lead," Daley said.
The Mayor announced today that the City will conduct brief citywide memorial observances for victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks at noon Friday at two downtown locations.
The ceremonies will be held simultaneously at the Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington streets, and at Pioneer Court, in front of the Equitable Building, 401 N. Michigan Ave.
"I think it's important that as many of us as possible come together in central locations to remember the victims, comfort each other and unite in our common resolve to put an end to the hatred and terrorism that could destroy our way of life if left unchecked, Daley said.
The Mayor asked those unable to attend the downtown services either to join others at their neighborhood park field houses or to pause at noon to observe a minute of reflection for those who lost their lives.
All schools will be asked to participate in this observance.
Daley commended Chicagoans "for their calm and compassionate reaction" to Tuesday's attacks, noting that people waited for as long as three hours to donate blood at City Hall on Wednesday. The City Hall blood bank will be open until 5 p.m. Thursday and Fridays, but donors should be in line by 3 p.m. each day.
The Mayor emphasized that "there is no place for hatred in Chicago."
"All of us support the government's efforts to seek out and punish the people responsible for this tragedy, but we must never take out our frustrations on innocent people of a particular ethnicity or religious faith," he said.
