WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a nationwide ground stop for departing flights across the United States on Friday, November 13, 2026, following air traffic control communications problems.
The order requires departing aircraft at airports nationwide to remain on the ground, while flights already in the air are permitted to continue to their destinations and land.
The disruption reportedly began with communications problems affecting air traffic operations in Chicago before expanding to airports nationwide.
International flights were reportedly being handled on a case-by-case basis.
The FAA cited extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns in issuing the order. The agency had not immediately provided a detailed public explanation of the problems.
The nationwide ground stop is one of only a few such disruptions in modern U.S. aviation history. In January 2023, the FAA temporarily halted domestic departures following a failure of its pilot notification system. Flights were also grounded nationwide following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The latest disruption comes as federal officials work to modernize the nation’s aging air traffic control infrastructure.
The FAA has not announced a confirmed time for normal flight operations to resume. Travelers scheduled to fly Friday are encouraged to check directly with their airlines for information about delays and cancellations.
The situation remains developing.
