Travelers across Texas and the U.S. faced sudden cancellations and delays on Friday afternoon after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide ground stop.
The rare order halted all departing flights at major hubs including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Flight tracking service FlightAware recorded at least 483 delays and cancellations at two of the state’s busiest airports alone on Friday, TPR reported.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport logged 327 delays and three cancellations. Meanwhile, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport reported 150 delays and three cancellations.
Julian Quezada traveled to San Antonio from Boise, Idaho, to care for his mother. He planned to fly home for his son’s birthday before learning flights were grounded.
“They said it on the news that everything’s shut down as of now,” Quezada told TPR, adding that the disruption could last “hours. It could be minutes. It could be days.”
Communications Problem Triggers FAA Order
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that a communications problem affecting air traffic control centers nationwide caused the ground stop. Duffy shared on social media that FAA technicians are investigating the issue and promised immediate updates.
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.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the nationwide order for all U.S. airports following a communication breakdown impacting Air Route Traffic Control Centers. The agency cited extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns for the directive, according to CNN.
The FAA instructed all departing aircraft to remain on the ground until further notice. International flights arriving in the United States are handled on a case-by-case basis.
A San Antonio International Airport spokesperson advised travelers to check directly with airlines for the latest updates. The airport continues to monitor the situation closely.
State Officials Coordinate Emergency Response
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that the Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with local and federal partners. The state remains prepared to assist airports and affected travelers.
“The State of Texas is prepared to address any unmet needs,” Abbott said, urging passengers to check with their airlines for flight updates.
Nationwide ground stops remain extremely rare in U.S. aviation history. The FAA last issued a nationwide ground stop in January 2023 due to a system outage that alerted pilots to potential hazards. Prior to that incident, the federal agency had not ordered a nationwide ground stop since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Common Questions About the FAA Ground Stop
How the Ground Stop Affects Travelers
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How long will the nationwide ground stop last?
Federal officials have not specified an end time. The FAA ordered all departing aircraft to stay grounded until further notice while technicians investigate the communications failure. -
How are international arrivals handled during the stop?
Incoming international flights coming into the United States are managed on a case-by-case basis by air traffic authorities. -
What should affected passengers do next?
Travelers should check with their specific airlines for flight status updates and consult airport personnel regarding overnight accommodations, as many passengers are making hotel arrangements.
Earlier coverage: FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop Due to Air Traffic Control Communications Failure
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