A DoorDash delivery driver inadvertently entered a restricted area at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and drove several miles through secured zones, possibly crossing active runways. The 36-year-old male driver was intercepted near United Airlines Gate C16 after air traffic control spotted the breach. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, was captured on video and has since circulated widely on social media and news outlets.
The security breach occurred on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at noon local time. The driver, en route to deliver a food order, “accidentally drove into an unauthorized secured area within O’Hare Airport,” according to Chicago police. The incident is particularly alarming because the driver reportedly traveled “several miles along the internal and restricted routes at O’Hare—possibly crossing runways” before being detected.
The breach was only noticed when an air traffic controller spotted the unauthorized vehicle on the tarmac. Video footage shows the driver’s red vehicle halted near a large aircraft, surrounded by airport security and police. The driver was ultimately intercepted near United Airlines Gate C16.
Details about how the driver bypassed security measures and accessed the restricted area remain unclear. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has not yet explained how the vehicle could enter the tarmac, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of perimeter security at O’Hare. Despite multiple layers of protection designed to prevent unauthorized access, the incident has exposed potential vulnerabilities in the airport’s security infrastructure.
Following the interception, Chicago police and aviation security personnel quickly cleared the area as a precaution. After an initial investigation, authorities determined that the driver had genuinely lost his way and had no malicious intent. As a result, no charges or citations were filed against him.
The CDA confirmed that “there were no operational interruptions or safety issues reported,” but emphasized that “the safety and security of travelers, airport personnel, and airport infrastructure are our utmost priorities.” The department added that it is “treating this situation seriously and will utilize the results of the investigation to guide any necessary follow-up or corrective actions.”
DoorDash acknowledged the incident, stating that they are “actively investigating the incident at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport” and that it “appears to be simply a case of a driver losing their way.” A company spokesperson also noted that DoorDash is “reaching out to law enforcement to provide assistance in any way possible.” Meanwhile, the CDA confirmed conducting an inquiry “in partnership” with the Chicago Police Department to review the breach and prevent future occurrences.
Security experts have voiced concerns about the potential dangers posed by such breaches. Robert Mark, a business jet pilot and former air traffic controller, told CBS News that while such incidents are rare, they are “alarming” and pose significant safety risks.
“Imagine if this had occurred at night when visibility was low; it’s easy to overlook someone in the dark. Headlights appear quite similar in those conditions. This could have turned out very poorly,”
Mark said.
Ben Coleman, a former Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector, emphasized the seriousness of the breach:
“It’s not supposed to happen, and that’s the reason we have security posts, security guards, and a myriad of different things that are supposed to stop that from happening.”
This is not the first security breach at O’Hare. In January 2021, a man named Aditya Singh was arrested after allegedly living undetected in a secure area of the airport for three months. Singh, who claimed he was afraid to fly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was charged with felony criminal trespass. These incidents collectively highlight ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of security measures at major transportation hubs, despite the multiple layers of protection in place.
DoorDash’s current safety program, which includes features like SafeDash™ Check-In and an Emergency Assistance Button, focuses primarily on personal security rather than navigation challenges. Experts suggest that delivery companies may need to enhance driver training to include specific guidance on avoiding restricted areas around airports, military installations, and government facilities.
