An extremely lost DoorDash driver somehow ended up on Chicago O'Hare Airport's tarmac

  • DoorDasher ended up on O’Hare International Airport’s tarmac
  • The driver told cops he had become lost while driving 
  • No charges have been filed against the driver

Published on May 22, 2025 at 8:49 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid

Last updated on May 22, 2025 at 12:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

A DoorDash driver in Chicago ended up on the tarmac at O’Hare International Airport after becoming lost during a job.

The unusual incident unfolded on Saturday, 17 May, at around noon. 

A DoorDasher in a red car was seen driving along in a restricted area, which, naturally, led to the authorities getting involved. 

The 36-year-old driver was eventually pulled over by cops on the tarmac near a plane at Gate C16.

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After being questioned by police, the delivery driver said that he had simply made a mistake and had somehow entered the secure area completely by accident. 

It’s unclear how the DoorDasher was able to access the restricted area, but a source told CBS Chicago that the ‘delivery driver drove miles along the interior and restricted roads at O’Hare – potentially crossing runways’ before he was eventually spotted by someone in the air traffic control tower. 

Police audio from the incident appeared to show that around 16 minutes passed between the DoorDash driver entering the area and the cops being called. 

Chicago Police accepted the man’s explanation, and no charges were filed. 

“Police conducted a preliminary investigation, which revealed this was a mistake,” the force said in a statement. 

The incident has prompted questions in regard to the security at the airport. 

In a statement, the Chicago Department of Aviation said it was looking into what happened, and confirmed that no safety incidents were reported. 

“The safety and security of the traveling public, airport workers, and airport facilities remain the top priorities of the CDA,” the statement said.

“Over the weekend, an individual unaffiliated with airport operations was located in a secured area at O’Hare International Airport. The incident is under investigation by the CDA in partnership with the Chicago Police Department. 

“There were no operational disruptions or safety incidents reported, and the area was promptly swept by CPD and Aviation Security personnel out of an abundance of caution. Questions regarding charges or law enforcement actions should be directed to the Chicago Police Department. 

“The CDA is taking this matter seriously and will use the findings of the investigation to inform any necessary follow-up or corrective measures.”

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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.