The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a nationwide ground stop at all US airports, grounding all departing aircraft due to an air traffic control outage affecting communication across every Air Route Traffic Control Centre.
The FAA took the unprecedented step citing "extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety" after communication problems affected all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the order, stating that FAA technicians were investigating the issue and further updates would be provided.
First nationwide ground stop since January 2023
This is the first nationwide ground stop in the US since January 2023, when a technical failure involving the system used to alert pilots to potential hazards caused widespread travel disruption. Inbound international flights are being handled on a case-by-case basis.
Impact on travelers
The ground stop has thrown flights across the US into chaos, with all departing aircraft ordered to remain on the ground. The FAA is investigating the communication problems, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.
