Overview
- The FAA, which ordered the ground stop Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, required all departing U.S. flights to remain at their origins while allowing planes already airborne to continue to their destinations.
- The agency said inbound international flights will be handled on a case‑by‑case basis and that the order will stay in effect until further notice.
- An FAA spokesperson told reporters there is a communications problem affecting Air Route Traffic Control Centers, the facilities that route planes across the country and coordinate handoffs between regions.
- Airlines and major airports have implemented the hold, causing immediate operational disruption and likely cascading delays for travelers while carriers await further FAA guidance.
- Coverage noted the measure is extremely rare and reported to be only the second nationwide stop since Sept. 11, 2001, underscoring why officials and the public are watching for a full explanation.