FAA issues nationwide ground stop due to 'extraordinary circumstances'
The last nationwide ground stop was in 2023 and before that 9/11
An FAA air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Va. (Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a nationwide ground stop due to "extraordinary circumstances."
"The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports following communication issues impacting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers," the agency told Fox News Digital. "FAA technicians are investigating the issue. We will provide updates."
"Due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety, attention all aircraft operators, by order of the Federal Aviation Command Center all airports are ground stopped. All departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice. Inbound international flights will be managed on a case by case basis," the FAA said in an alert.
The last nationwide ground stop was in 2023 and before that on 9/11.
Immediately following the alert, 3,100 flights were inbound for U.S. airports, according to Flight Rader 24.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X: The @FAAnews issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports following a communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. FAA technicians are investigating the issue. We will provide immediate updates as we have them."
Several airports put out their own statements.
Altanta International Airport wrote on X: "The FAA has issued a ground stop affecting departures at ATL and other major airports. Departures are temporarily suspended. Travelers should check with their airlines for flight updates. We will provide an update as more information becomes available."
And Boston's Logan International Airport said on X: "The FAA has issued a nationwide ground stop impacting flights at Boston Logan and airports across the country. We are monitoring the situation and working with the FAA and our airline partners. Passengers should check with their airlines for the latest flight updates."
"A nationwide @FAAnews ground stop is currently in effect," Miami International Airport said. "If you’re flying today, please check with your airline for your flight status before leaving for the airport. Thank you for your patience and understanding."