FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop Following Communications Outage, Disrupting U.S. Air Travel
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a nationwide ground stop for all departing flights across the United States due to a temporary communications outage. This measure was taken out of an abundance of caution as technicians investigate the issue affecting air traffic control towers. The disruption, which began around 3:30 PM on a Friday, has led to significant delays and cancellations not only within the U.S. but also at Canadian airports, particularly those with U.S.-bound or international flights crossing U.S. airspace. Vancouver International Airport reported 176 canceled or delayed flights, with dozens more affected at other major Canadian airports like Victoria, Kelowna, and Cranbrook. Air Canada has indicated that flights to and from the Caribbean and South America may also experience impacts, though flights already in progress were permitted to continue. Officials have stated there are currently no signs of a cybersecurity incident.
