While we have a soft spot in our heart for most things from Iceland, this cloud of volcanic ash is kicking up some trouble even over at O'Hare. The eruption of a volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland has sent a cloud of ash into the atmosphere that's currently causing all kinds of air traffic havoc over Northern Europe, completely shutting down airports across Scotland, England, and several other countries. And while our magnificent skies are clear of ash, there some residual delays that are reaching their way across the Atlantic. Karen Pride, spokeswoman for the Chicago Department of Aviation, told the Tribune of delays at O'Hare, "There are a few flights that are starting to be impacted. There have been a couple of delays and flight cancellations because of the the volcanic ash." So far, there've been no reports of problems at Midway. If you have a flight you think may be affected, be sure to check with your airline and you can also keep track via the Aviation Department's online flight system. more ›

Responding to a letter that United and American Airlines issued to the press airing their grievances with Aviation Department heads for hiking landing fees at O'Hare by nearly 40 percent, Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino shot back Wednesday, expressing disappointment with the airlines for taking their complaints public and claiming that the city isn't trying to pre-pay debt on the O'Hare expansion. Andolino said that the fees are to pay for runways that came on-line in 2008. Andolino told the Sun-Times: more ›

United and American Airlines are pushing back at Chicago's Department of Aviation over a proposed 38% increase in landing fees this year. The airlines and the city are in dispute over when to start paying down the debt issued to finance the project. The Tribune breaks it down: more ›

WGN didn't lead off last night's 9 p.m. newscast with more Clinton/Obama drama. Instead, they started the newscast with Jackie Bange's discovery of an advanced rodent civilization in Terminal 1, Concourse C of O'Hare Airport. more ›

On Thursday last week, Mayor Daley announced that Richard Rodriguez, the city's former buildings chief, would head the city's Department of Aviation. Rodriguez, a Chicago native, oversaw the reunification of the Buildings Department with the Department of Construction and Permits, a move Daley said saved the city $2 million. Daley, who split the two departments in '03, called Rodriguez "a good manager. He rolls up his sleeves, he gets involved, and it's not an eight-hour job." As aviation commissioner, Rodriguez will oversee both O'Hare International and Midway Airports. O'Hare has had several high-profile security issues recently, and the city has failed to negotiate agreements with both American and United Airlines for financing of the second phase of the airport expansion. The city is also currently exploring options to privatize Midway. “People don’t realize that the whole improvement of O’Hare International Airport is vital to our future,” the mayor told the Tribune. “You have to complete it. It’s not for the airlines today. It could be the airlines for the future.” more ›