FAA issues nationwide ground stop due to 'extraordinary circumstances'

Published November 13, 2026 4:28pm EST The last nationwide ground stop was in 2023, and the one before that was on Sept. 11, 2001 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." In an alert, the FAA said all airports are ground stopped "due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety." "All departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice," the FAA continued. "Inbound international flights will be managed on a case by case basis." The last nationwide ground stop was issued in 2023, and the one before that was on Sept. 11, 2001.Immediately following the alert, 3,100 flights were inbound for U.S. airports, according to flight tracking platform FlightRadar24. 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.Atlanta 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."Boston's Logan International Airport released a statement that read: "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."