Recent updates reveal that the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented a nationwide ground stop, which may extend for several hours.
This ground stop, initiated by the FAA, does not currently have a specified end time. The advisory indicates a general window lasting until approximately 11 p.m. or 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time, instructing that all departing flights must remain grounded until further notice.
A United Airlines pilot relayed to passengers at Los Angeles International Airport that the disruption could last until 11 p.m. Eastern Time, according to a news reporter on the flight.
Aircraft already airborne when the ground stop was announced are permitted to continue to their destinations. However, several might face delays in landing as authorities manage the situation. Tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated over 4,000 planes were in the sky at that time, with some needing to divert if their destinations are congested.
Flights already en route prior to the order will follow their paths rather than being diverted immediately. FlightRadar24 logged 4,042 aircraft airborne during the initiation of the ground stop. International arrivals are being considered individually, as noted by USAToday.
POLL: Will America Regret Giving The Democrats Power?
About 3,000 flights are currently bound for U.S. airports as a nationwide ground stop at all U.S. airports was called by the FAA.
This is the second nationwide ground stop since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
"[The FAA] issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S.… pic.twitter.com/b4zsXtozS1
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 13, 2026
This ground stop aims to prevent air traffic controllers from being overwhelmed by excessive aircraft in the airspace, and while local stoppages typically last under two hours, this full stop is notable, marking only the second occurrence since 9/11.
The FAA’s order arises from “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety,” mandating all airports to halt departing flights until further notice. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy cited a communication issue affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers—the systems managing aircraft post-cruising altitude.
A pilot reported that the difficulties began due to a communication outage at the Kansas City center, which oversees large portions of the central U.S. Initial reports suggested several equipment failures, including issues with radios and flight-tracking systems, as well as frequency complications that impacted airspace nationally. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports had already dealt with separate ground halts earlier due to similar equipment problems.
The blanket order affects every airport in the U.S., leading to nearly 7,000 flight delays or cancellations as airlines adapt their operations, as indicated by a report from Reuters.
Addressing the aftermath may take longer than the duration of the stop itself once aircraft and crews are out of sync. Travelers are recommended to check with their airlines directly before going to the airport, as schedules are likely to keep changing, even after the stop is lifted. The investigation remains ongoing, with further details anticipated from the FAA as technicians address the communication issues.
