Air traffic control communications problems prompt extraordinary safety measure; international flights to be handled individually
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide ground stop Friday, Nov. 13, temporarily halting departing flights at airports across the United States amid reports of widespread air traffic control communications problems.
The extraordinary order, issued Friday afternoon, directed aircraft operators nationwide to keep departing planes on the ground until further notice.
The FAA cited safety concerns in announcing the sweeping restriction.
“Due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety,” the FAA said in its advisory, ordering all airports to halt departures.
The agency said international flights arriving in the United States would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
The unprecedented scale of the disruption raised immediate concerns about flight delays, cancellations and the ability of the nation’s air traffic control system to safely manage aircraft.
The nationwide order followed reports of communications and equipment failures affecting air traffic control operations, including disruptions at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
According to CBS News, the FAA initially ordered ground stops at both Chicago airports because of equipment problems. Air traffic control officials reported communications issues but did not immediately provide details about the cause.
The Washington Examiner reported that a rolling radio-frequency outage was affecting facilities responsible for monitoring aircraft across the country.
Reuters confirmed that the FAA had ordered a nationwide ground stop following reports of serious communications problems.
FLYING Magazine –Â Friday’s disruption comes as federal officials seek billions of dollars to modernize the nation’s aging aviation infrastructure.
Earlier Friday, the White House and Department of Transportation urged Congress to approve an additional $30.1 billion for airport improvements and air traffic control modernization.
The proposal includes funding for updated communications systems, air traffic control equipment, control towers and airport facilities.
However, the extent of disruptions at individual Southern California airports had not been independently confirmed.
Travelers were advised to check directly with their airlines before heading to airports, as delays and cancellations could continue even after normal departures resume.
As of the latest reports reviewed, the FAA had not announced a confirmed time for lifting the nationwide restriction or provided a complete explanation of the communications failures.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Reporting sources: Reuters, CBS News, Axios, Flying Magazine and the Washington Examiner. Status information remains preliminary.
