Overview
- The FAA ordered a nationwide ground stop just after 1 p.m. PT on Friday and said departures would remain halted until the agency deems it safe to resume operations.
- Agency statements and reporting identify a communications problem affecting Air Route Traffic Control Centers as the likely cause while federal teams from DOT and DHS investigate the outage.
- Flight tracking data showed more than 7,800 U.S. flights delayed as carriers, cargo operators and airports scrambled to adjust schedules and reroute passengers.
- The stoppage is disrupting high-profile entertainment events this weekend, leaving American Film Market participants, Governors Awards invitees and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame attendees facing travel uncertainty.
- Officials and industry organizers are monitoring follow-up checks of FAA telecommunications links and vendor systems and are preparing contingency plans for arrivals, screenings and international travelers.