FAA Orders Nationwide Ground Stop After Communications Failure

The Federal Aviation Administration halted departing flights across the United States Friday, November 13, after a communications failure disrupted air traffic control operations.

The nationwide ground stop remained in effect as of an FAA advisory issued at 2:46 p.m. Pacific, although the agency said departures would be allowed through coordination with its Command Center as air traffic facilities recovered. The advisory did not provide a time for normal operations to resume.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the communications problem affected Air Route Traffic Control Centers nationwide and that FAA technicians were investigating. Aircraft already in the air were allowed to land.

The FAA’s initial notice directed departing aircraft to remain on the ground until further notice, citing “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.” Inbound international flights were to be handled individually.

The later advisory identified the cause as a communications failure and outlined how departures could begin resuming as facilities recovered. That means some flights may receive clearance to leave while the nationwide restriction remains in place.

Travelers should check directly with their airline for the status of their flight before heading to the airport. Updates are available through the FAA’s air traffic advisories and National Airspace System status page.