FAA Grounds Flights Nationwide: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know

Hawaii travel news can change quickly. Always confirm current details with official sources before making travel plans.

If you’re flying anywhere in the United States today, November 13, you’ll want to check your flight status.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a nationwide ground stop on Friday afternoon, temporarily halting flight departures at airports across the United States.

The unusual order followed widespread air traffic control communications problems. The FAA cited extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns.

Here’s what happened, who’s affected, and what travelers should do next.

Last verified: November 13, 2026. The nationwide order is confirmed, but whether it remains in effect has not been independently verified.

Why Did the FAA Ground Flights Nationwide?

The FAA issued the nationwide ground stop at approximately 3:54 p.m. Eastern, 12:54 p.m. Pacific, on Friday, November 13.

According to Reuters and the Associated Press, the order followed serious communications problems affecting air traffic control centers across the country.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the problems involved the nation’s 22 regional air traffic control centers, which guide aircraft between airports.

FAA technicians began investigating the issue.

The agency ordered departures halted for safety reasons while officials worked to determine what was happening.

The exact cause of the communications problems has not been confirmed.

Which U.S. Airports Are Affected?

The nationwide order covered departures at airports across the United States.

That includes major airports such as:

• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

• Denver International (DEN)

• Los Angeles International (LAX)

• New York JFK (JFK)

• Newark Liberty (EWR)

• San Francisco International (SFO)

• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

• Honolulu (HNL)

Smaller regional airports and connecting flights were also subject to the nationwide departure restrictions.

But here’s an important distinction: A nationwide ground stop doesn’t mean every airport has closed or every flight has been canceled.

A ground stop temporarily prevents affected aircraft from taking off. Airlines determine whether individual flights will be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled.

What Happens to Flights Already in the Air?

If you’re already flying, the FAA’s order doesn’t automatically mean your plane must turn around or make an emergency landing.

Aircraft already airborne could continue operating under air traffic control instructions.

International flights were being handled on a case-by-case basis.

That doesn’t guarantee every flight will arrive on schedule. Airlines and air traffic controllers may need to make additional adjustments as the situation develops.

What Should Travelers Do Right Now?

If you have a flight scheduled today, here’s what I’d recommend.

1. Check your flight directly with your airline.

Your airline’s app or website should provide the most useful information about your specific departure.

2. Watch your connecting flights.

Even if your first flight resumes, a delayed connection could affect the rest of your trip.

3. Don’t assume your flight has been canceled.

A ground stop and a cancellation are two different things. Wait for your airline to confirm any schedule changes.

4. Check your hotel and rental car reservations.

If you’re facing a major delay, notify your hotel or rental car company, especially if you’ll arrive late.

5. Follow your airline’s airport instructions.

Don’t automatically skip check-in or leave the airport. A delayed flight could eventually receive permission to depart.

How Long Will the Nationwide Ground Stop Last?

That’s the biggest unanswered question.

The FAA’s original order instructed departing aircraft to remain on the ground until further notice.

The advisory included an operational time window, but that was not a guarantee that normal flights would resume at a specific hour.

Whether the nationwide restriction has since been lifted remains unconfirmed in this update.

Even after a ground stop ends, some delays may continue as airlines work through aircraft positioning, crew schedules, and missed connections.

How Rare Is a Nationwide FAA Ground Stop?

Very rare.

The last nationwide departure ground stop occurred in January 2023, when a failure of the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions system disrupted flights across the country.

Before that, the FAA halted nationwide departures following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The November 13 incident highlights how much commercial aviation depends on the systems connecting air traffic controllers, airports, pilots, and airlines.

A major technical issue in one part of that network can affect travel plans throughout the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all U.S. flights canceled?

No. A nationwide ground stop temporarily prevents departures, but it does not automatically cancel every flight. Individual flight cancellations are determined by airlines.

Does the FAA ground stop affect international flights?

The FAA’s order affects departing flights at U.S. airports. International arrivals were being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Are flights already in the air affected?

Flights already airborne were not automatically ordered to land immediately. Pilots continued following instructions from air traffic control.

When will flights resume?

The FAA’s original order did not establish a confirmed time for normal operations to resume. Check current FAA advisories and airline updates for the latest information.

Where can I check FAA flight delays?

Visit the FAA’s National Airspace System Status website at https://nasstatus.faa.gov/ or check your airline’s app for details about your flight.

The Bottom Line

If you’re flying anywhere in the United States, check your flight status before heading to the airport and keep an eye on your connections.

The nationwide ground stop is an extraordinary disruption, but it does not mean every scheduled flight has been canceled.

The most useful information will come directly from the FAA and your airline as operations change.

Sources

• Federal Aviation Administration, National Airspace System Status, November 13, 2026. https://nasstatus.faa.gov/

• Reuters, US FAA grounds all departing flights due to extraordinary circumstance, safety reasons, November 13, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/faa-issues-national-ground-stop-due-extraordinary-circumstance-reasons-safety-2026-11-13/

• Associated Press, Flights halted at airports across US due to air traffic control communications problems, FAA says, November 13, 2026. https://apnews.com/article/f81b0904331dafad6133f291e5f531a8