Chicago-Area Air Traffic Center Fully Operational

AURORA, Ill. (AP) — Federal officials say they've restored full air traffic operations at a suburban Chicago control center that was damaged in a deliberately set fire more than two weeks ago.

The Federal Aviation Administration says service was restored early this morning after the Sept. 26 fire at the Chicago En Route Center in Aurora. Authorities say air traffic controllers resumed control of the center's airspace from adjoining centers between midnight and 1 a.m.

Authorities have said a contract employee cut cables and set fire to a basement telecommunications room. The disruption forced an hours-long shutdown of O'Hare and Midway international airports and meant the cancellation of thousands of flights that disrupted travel nationwide.

The agency is conducting a 30-day review of contingency plans and security protocols for its major facilities as a result.

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