Update | All Departures Across the U.S. Halted for the Second Time Since 9/11

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has halted all departures from airports across the United States due to a communication issue affecting air traffic control centers nationwide.

In an official notice, the FAA announced that a “National Ground Stop” had been implemented nationwide due to “extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns.” All airlines have been instructed to keep their aircraft on the ground until further notice.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Issues Statement

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that a communication issue was affecting air traffic control centers across the country.

Duffy stated that FAA technical teams were investigating the source of the problem and that the public would be informed as new information became available.

What Will Happen to Aircraft Already in the Air?

Unlike the measures taken during the September 11, 2001 attacks, the current ground stop does not require all airborne aircraft to land at the nearest airport.

Aircraft already in flight are being allowed to continue their journeys, while inbound international flights to the United States will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Second Nationwide Ground Stop Since September 11

For the second time since the September 11, 2001 attacks, departures have been halted nationwide across the United States.

A similar measure was implemented on January 11, 2023, following a failure of the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system.

The exact cause of the communication issue and when flight operations will return to normal have not yet been announced.

We are monitoring developments.