Nationwide FAA Ground Stop Disrupts U.S. Air Travel, Passengers Face Cancellations and Delays
A nationwide ground stop ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday, November 13, 2026, halted all departing flights across the United States. The FAA cited 'extraordinary circumstances and safety' due to air traffic control communication issues. Flights already in the air were permitted to land, while international flights were handled on a case-by-case basis. This event marks the third time all U.S. departures have been grounded, following incidents on September 11, 2001, and January 11, 2023, when a pilot notification system malfunctioned. The disruption caused widespread delays, cancellations, and missed connections, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded and seeking information. Travelers are advised to consult their airline's app or website for the most current flight status.