The US Federal Aviation Administration on Friday issued a nationwide ground stop for all airports in the country, citing “extraordinary circumstances” and “for reasons of safety”.
All departing aircraft were ordered to remain grounded until further notice, while inbound international flights will be managed on a case-by-case basis.
“The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop for all US airports following communication issues impacting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centres,” it said.
The FAA said its technicians are “investigating the issue”.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA issued a nationwide ground stop for all US airports after “a communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centre”.
The disruption is the latest sign of strain on the US air traffic control system, which has been beset by equipment failures, communications problems and shortages of controllers while the FAA tries to replace aging infrastructure. Congress approved $12.5 billion for the overhaul last year, and the FAA and White House asked lawmakers on Friday for another $30.1 billion.
Shortly before the announcement, the FAA halted traffic in Chicago due to air traffic control communications issues.
Nationwide ground stops are exceptionally rare. The FAA stopped flights in January 2023 after a pilot system failed overnight. A nationwide halt was also ordered during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
Reuters contributed to this report
