US flights were grounded nationwide on Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted all departures because of a serious communications problem at air traffic control centres. Flights began resuming after the rare ground stop was lifted, but cancellations and delays continued.
US Flights Grounded: What Happened
The FAA cited an extraordinary circumstance and safety reasons for stopping departures across the country. International flights were to be handled case by case. Traffic was halted at Chicago shortly before the national order, and passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul reported being held on planes. Reports said the ground stop lasted roughly four hours.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said FAA technicians were investigating the issue and that updates would follow. The agency has not publicly given a detailed cause beyond the communication problem.
How Many Flights Were Affected
- About 7,000 flights were delayed or cancelled, according to flight tracking data.
- Disruptions continued after the stop was lifted, as airlines worked to reposition aircraft and crews.
- Some college football games were also delayed.
A Rare Event
This was the first nationwide ground stop in the US since January 2023, when a failure in a key FAA computer system halted departures. Before that, the last such order came after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The incident adds to concerns about ageing air traffic control equipment and staffing. Congress approved $12.5 billion last year for an overhaul, and the FAA and the White House have asked for another $30.1 billion.
What Happens Next
Travellers should check their airline’s app before heading to the airport, as delays may last for a day or more while the schedule recovers. The FAA is expected to release more details on the root cause once its investigation is complete.
For official updates, visit the FAA website.
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