FAA Halts All U.S. Airport Operations Over Communication Failures
Technicians are investigating issues affecting air traffic control centers while United Airlines continues to fly planes already in the air.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports on Friday. The agency cited extraordinary circumstances and safety reasons for the temporary suspension of flight operations.
In a statement, the FAA explained that the order followed the detection of communication problems affecting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers. Technicians are currently investigating the situation. The agency said it would provide updates as they become available.
The ground stop applies to domestic flights. International flights destined for U.S. airports are being handled on a case-by-case basis. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the suspension on social media. He noted that FAA technicians are investigating the communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers.
United Airlines responded to the order in a separate statement. The carrier said it is complying with the nationwide suspension of departures. Flights already in the air will continue their routes. No new domestic flights will take off while the order remains in effect.
United stated it will work with customers to get them to their destinations once the issue is resolved. The airline emphasized that its primary focus is on safely managing the disruption.
