LIVE UPDATES: US air travel should normalize Sunday after ground stop triggers mass cancellations, FAA says
This was the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when a key FAA computer system malfunctioned.
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Nov. 14, 10:36 p.m.
US air travel should normalize Sunday after ground stop triggers mass cancellations, FAA says
By the Associated Press
Airlines canceled thousands of flights across the U.S. on Saturday as they worked to recover from a nationwide ground stop that left passengers scrambling for seats and disrupted travel around the world.
The U.S. air travel schedule should be back to normal by the end of Sunday, two days after what was the nation’s longest ground stop in 25 years, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford said, declaring the “worst is behind us.”
The problem began when contractor L3Harris Technologies Inc. was replacing a section of the air traffic control system’s old copper wire with new fiber wire, somehow causing the system to overload, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
The work led to “intermittent” communications and radar gaps, prompting the government to shut down air traffic for more than four hours. Officials were investigating whether contractor “incompetence” or a faulty router was the cause,” he said.
“Our contractor didn’t meet the moment or the equipment didn’t meet the moment,” Duffy said.
L3Harris said in a statement that it was supporting the FAA in the investigation to understand what led to the ground stop and the company takes seriously the impact to travelers, airlines and air traffic operations.
The FAA normally consults its own technicians in advance and asks them to assess the risks of any upgrades or repairs but that didn’t happen in this case, the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, the union representing the agency’s technicians, said in a Saturday statement.
The nationwide stop was the first since January 2023, when a key FAA computer system that sends notices to pilots malfunctioned, and the second since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Andrew Charlton, an aviation consultant, said Friday’s stoppage affected about a quarter of the 45,000 flights in the U.S. each day.
“The knock-on effect of that is incredible,” said Charlton, managing director of Aviation Advocacy. “The aircraft doesn’t just fly from A to B and back … and then stop. It then moves onto C and then over to E and around and around and around. It is, of course, exacerbated if you’re talking about long-haul flights, international flights over the Atlantic or over the Pacific.”
Thousands of flights delayed and canceled
At airports across the U.S., passengers scrambled Saturday to figure out how to reach their destinations. Some waited out the chaos in hotels while others sprinted to snag rental cars and bus or train tickets. Many camped out in airports.
Others got creative. Video in Seattle’s airport showed a passenger serenading stressed out travelers with classical music. Stranded strangers in Lexington, Kentucky, participated in a cornhole tournament. The singer T-Pain and the band Hoobastank were captured on video singing to passengers as they waited on commercial airplanes.
Dan Russell, 66, learned his connecting flight from Hawaii to California was canceled a half-hour before boarding was scheduled in San Diego Friday night. Hotels were full, so he and his wife waited at the airport.
“There’s nothing you can do,” Russell said.
At the Newark, N.J., airport, Umi Egchi was trying to figure out when he could return home to Japan.
“I’m not sure exactly what happened. I just want to go home,” said Egchi, who had a sleep mask on top of his head.
Sports teams that traveled for games this weekend adjusted game start times, and No. 19 Mississippi’s football game at Oklahoma was delayed to Sunday.
FlightAware, a website that tracks flights, said more than 6,000 flights within, into or out of the U.S. had been canceled Saturday.
Officials say no one was in danger during ground stop
Duffy reiterated Saturday that no one was in danger as more than 3,000 flights in the air at the time of the grounding order landed safely.
Trump administration officials blamed Congress for failing to approve more money to replace decades-old technology that helps manage air traffic. Duffy said 70% of the system had been replaced, but his agency needs new air traffic control towers and runways.
The FAA has replaced thousands of old copper wires with fiber optic lines and upgraded hundreds of radio systems as part of the overhaul that began last year with $12.5 billion in funding. Duffy and the White House want $30 billion more to complete the work.
“We have aging infrastructure throughout the airspace,” Duffy said, while stressing that flying remains safe.
Charlton, the aviation consultant, pointed to the difficulties of updating a system that can never shut down.
“What you’re watching here is trying to change the tires of your car when the car’s going at 80 miles an hour down the expressway, because nothing stops in aviation,” he said.
Although Duffy said he had repeatedly spoken with President Donald Trump since the ground stop began, the president has not spoken publicly on the matter, nor issued statements via social media. He spoke on the phone with a Fox News reporter, but that was not on camera.
Past problems have been linked to equipment failures
The problem appeared similar to a regional air traffic control communication outage in September that snarled hundreds of flights across the Northeast. That disruption was linked to a construction crew cutting a fiber optic line.
Aging equipment was also blamed for brief radar outages last year that disrupted Newark airport.
Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo said the difference Friday was the scale of the disruption that left controllers unable to reliably talk to pilots.
“If you don’t have that ability, whether it’s because the old wires that they have are just run down or for whatever reason, you’ve got to stop airplanes on the ground and not put them in the air,” said Arroyo, a former United Airlines pilot.
Nov. 14 6:30 PM
News 12's Lauren Del Valle is at Westchester County Airport as flights begin to get back on track.
Nov. 14 5:10 PM
News 12's Jack Ford is at Newark Liberty Airport this afternoon speaking with travelers and tracking delays.
Nov. 14 4:08 PM
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia issue statement
“Travelers should anticipate continued delays and cancellations at the region’s airports throughout the weekend as airlines recover from Friday night’s nationwide FAA ground stop. By the end of Friday evening, JFK, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart airports had reported more than 800 cancellations and more than 600 delays.
“The Port Authority activated its Emergency Operations Center shortly after the ground stop began, working closely with airlines, terminal operators, and federal aviation officials to manage disruptions and assist affected passengers. Additional airport personnel and Port Authority Police officers were deployed to help manage terminal crowding and provide assistance. The Port Authority also made cots, blankets, pillows, baby formula and other essential supplies available to airline partners, while airport concessions remained open to serve affected travelers.
“We want to thank the frontline workers, from Port Authority personnel to air traffic controllers, for their tireless efforts to keep travelers safe throughout these disruptions.
“The Port Authority remains in close coordination with its partners and stands ready to deploy additional personnel and resources as needed in the coming days.”
Nov. 14 3:36 PM
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on social media calling for the removal of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and urging Congress to launch a full investigation into what went wrong.
Nov. 14 1:06 PM
Delta Airlines posted on social media encouraging travelers to move their flights to Monday, Nov. 16 or later.
Nov. 14 12 PM
News 12's Lauren Del Valle is at Westchester County Airport speaking with travelers and tracking delays.
Nov. 14 12 PM
News 12's Jack Ford is at Newark Liberty Airport speaking with travelers and tracking delays.
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Nov. 14 11:35 AM
US air travel should recover from ground stop by the end of Sunday, FAA says
U.S. air travel should be fully recovered from the longest nationwide ground stop in 25 years by the end of Sunday, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Saturday.
Bedford said the flights “will still have delays and cancellations” on Saturday but promised that the “worst is behind us.”
His comments came as airlines across the U.S. worked to recover from a ground stoppage that lasted four hours, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers.
New technology being added to the nation’s air traffic control system overloaded antiquated equipment and caused “intermittent” communications and radar gaps, leading to the flight shutdown of more than four hours, Trump administration officials said.
Planes were taking flight and landing Saturday, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said. But the effects could be felt for days. Officials say the system will likely return to normal in time to handle the Thanksgiving travel rush.
Nov. 14 - 11 AM
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says aging FAA telecommunications infrastructure caused the outage, not a cyberattack
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a press conference that the disruption stemmed from a telecommunications failure tied to decades-old FAA infrastructure during a routine system upgrade. According to Duffy, a contractor was transitioning communications lines from aging copper wiring to fiber-optic connections at a remote FAA facility when the issue occurred.
Nov. 14 – 8 AM
Travel agent offers tips amid ground stop aftermath
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Many travelers are still dealing with the impacts of the nationwide ground stop.
Matty K Travel Group advises customers against rushing to cancel flights.
If your flight was cancelled, it is best to check with your travel insurance company to see if the trip is covered.
"If you cancel that flight, the airline is then not obligated to help you at that point,” explained Matthew Kondrup.
Kondrup also recommends keeping a close eye on airline updates even as airports continue to recover from the ground stop.
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WATCH: Secretary Mullin and Secretary Duffy hold White House briefing following FAA ground stop caused by communications issues.
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Nov. 13 - 10:30 PM
FAA says systems were ‘thoroughly tested’ before ground stop was lifted
The FAA said in a statement that they “thoroughly tested” their systems to confirm they were stable and reliable before clearing flights to resume.
Some flights are departing, and passengers are asked to contact their airlines for flight updates.
Nov. 13 - 10:20 PM
Airlines won’t be required to offer passengers any additional compensation
An FAA computer problem is considered outside the control of the airlines — much like the weather.
So the only thing the airlines are obligated to do is to offer free rebooking on another flight for travelers who want to continue to their destinations or a refund if their flight was canceled and they decide not to take the trip.
Nov. 13 - 10:15 PM
News 12's Jill Croce speaks with travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport after FAA lifts nationwide ground stop.
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Nov. 13 - 10:10 PM
News 12 speaks with Jim Record, a retired Northwest Airlines captain.
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Nov. 13 - 10:05 PM
News 12's Jenna Rae Gaertner speaks with frustrated travelers at MacArthur Airport.
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Nov. 13 - 10:05 PM
News 12's Daniella Rodriguez was live at JFK when officials lifted the ground stop.
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Nov. 13 - 10 PM
News 12's Jackie Gillis is at Westchester County Airport speaking with travelers following the lifting of the nationwide FAA ground stop and monitoring any ongoing impacts.
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Nov. 13 - 9:15 PM
LGA and JFK posted that although the FAA's nationwide ground stop has been lifted, travelers should continue to expect delays and cancellations as airlines work to recover operations.
They encourage travelers to check with airlines for the latest information.
Nov. 13 - 8:50 PM
Sec. Duffy says getting planes back in the air will take some time.
At the time of the ground stoppage, there were 3,500 airplanes in the sky.
“And last time I looked, we had less than 400 in the airspace,” Duffy said.
He added, “It’s going to be slow” getting air traffic back to normal.
Nov. 13 - 8:45 PM
Sec. Duffy says the system needs funding for a complete overhaul. He estimates it will take approximately $50 billion.
Nov. 13 - 8:43 PM
Sec. Duffy says the outage was caused by aging Air Traffic Control technology. He says the system became overloaded with data, causing instability in communications. He says a cyberattack was NOT the cause.
“This is an emergency,” he said, calling on Congress for emergency funding for upgrades.
Nov. 13 - 8:38 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - FAA says airplane departures can resume after agency lifts nationwide ground stop caused by communications problems.
Nov. 13 - 8:32 PM
An update from the White House, including Sec. Duffy and Sec. Mullen:
Mullen begins by stating that the public was never in danger.
Nov. 13 - 8:30 PM - Canceled Flights
JetBlue cancels all remaining domestic flights Friday evening
The airline said only Europe-bound flights out of Boston Logan International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport would be able to depart Friday night.
“We expect disruptions to continue into tomorrow, including additional cancellations,” JetBlue said in a news release.
Air Canada cancels flights between the US and Canada
The airline said that the cancellation of all of its flights to and from the U.S. will last the rest of Friday evening.
The decision was a result of the U.S. ground stop ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Air Canada said flights between Canada, the Caribbean and South America that go through U.S. airspace could also be affected.
Nov. 13 - 8:17 PM
A statement from Long Island MacArthur Airport shares that the longer the outage continues, the greater the potential for delays and cancellations.
"There are currently no terminal operational issues at Long Island MacArthur Airport. However, the longer the FAA communications outage continues, the greater the potential for delays and cancellations tomorrow and over the next few days as airlines work to reposition aircraft and crews and restore their networks.
Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airlines for flight updates before arriving at the airport."
Nov. 13 - 8:14 PM
JetBlue posted on social media, saying, "Due to the nationwide FAA-mandated ground stop, JetBlue is canceling all remaining flights this evening with the exception of Europe-bound departures from JFK & Boston."
Nov. 13 - 8:09 PM
News 12's Daniella Rodriguez was live at JFK speaking with travelers.
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Nov. 13 - 8 PM
American Air posted on X saying that "some flights from certain airports are beginning to receive clearance to depart."
Nov. 13 - 7:46 PM
One passenger at LGA describes how this ground stop has impacted their flight to Peru.
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Nov. 13 - 7:30 PM
News 12's Jill Croce is at Newark Liberty International Airport as the FAA ground stop continues
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Nov. 13 - 7:15 PM
Delta Airlines informs travelers on social media that a travel waiver is in place, allowing customers to change their flight at no extra cost.
Nov. 13 - 7:05 PM
A Brooklyn resident reacts after their flight to Chicago was canceled
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Nov. 13 - 6:51 PM
NYC Emergency Management posted on social media to inform New Yorkers about what they're calling a "temporary telecommunications outage."
Nov. 13 - 6:45 PM
Growing crowds at Newark Liberty International Airport - Terminal B
Photo credit: Ray Adam
Nov. 13 - 6:40 PM
Interview with News 12 producer Tara O'Donovan at Long Island MacArthur Airport
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Nov. 13 - 6:32 PM
News 12's Jackie Gillis was live at Westchester County Airport, speaking with travelers about their abrupt change of plans
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Nov. 13 - 6:30 PM
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin addresses the FAA communications issues
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Nov. 13 - 6:20 PM
News 12 speaks with Linden, NJ airport official Paul Dudley
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Nov. 13 - 6:17 PM
INTERVIEW WITH RETIRED AIR FORCE PILOT SANDY KRIGEL
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Nov. 13 - 6:12 PM
LOOK FROM JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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Nov. 13 - 6:11 PM
Airlines have begun posting updates about the nationwide ground stop.
United Airlines said, "Flights that are already airborne will continue. New domestic flights will not depart while the ground stop remains in place."
Meanwhile, American Airlines said, "We expect disruption to our schedule for the rest of the day," depending on the duration of the FAA's nationwide ground stop.
Nov. 13 - 5:50 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul released the following statement on the nationwide ground stop of all flights:
"I’ve spoken with Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia and been briefed on the FAA’s nationwide ground stop. We’re working to get answers from federal officials, and I’ll keep New Yorkers updated as we learn more."
Nov. 13 - 5:32 PM
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) nationwide ground stop of all departing flights:
“I am monitoring the FAA nationwide ground stop and the disruption it is causing. On behalf of New Yorkers, my staff and I have asked for answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation about what is going on.”
Nov. 13 - 5:27 PM
Homeland Security secretary says currently no indication of an attack
(AP) - “There was no indication as of yet this was a nefarious attack against us,” said U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.
All flights in the air are accounted for, he said during a news conference, adding that the public has no reason to be afraid.
The FAA’s ground stop order runs through at least 11 p.m. ET Friday.
Nov. 13 - 5:02 PM
The FAA released the following statement on X:
Via FAA:
"There has been a temporary telecommunications outage - out of an abundance of caution all flights have been halted. Every flight has been accounted for and international flights will be handled on a case by case basis."
Nov. 13 - 5:01 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights nationwide Friday afternoon because of communications problems at regional air traffic control centers.
The FAA notice said the ground stop was being imposed “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there is a communications issue affecting the 22 regional air traffic control centers that direct planes en route between airports nationwide. He said FAA technicians are investigating. This is the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when a key FAA computer system malfunctioned. Before that the last time had been after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
The government has been working to overhaul the outdated technology that air traffic controllers rely on since Congress approved $12.5 billion for the project last year. Miles of old copper wires have been replaced with fiber optic lines and old radio systems are gradually being replaced at airports across the country.
But much work remains. Duffy has said that another $30 billion will be needed to complete the work, and the White House has begun lobbying Congress to approve it.
The problem appeared similar to a regional air traffic control communication outage in September that snarled hundreds of flights across the Northeast, aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo said, except this time on a nationwide scale. It may be linked to the outdated technology used by air traffic controllers.
“If you don’t have that ability, whether it’s because the old wires that they have are just run down or for whatever reason, you’ve got to stop airplanes on the ground,” said Arroyo, who is a former United Airlines pilot. “And not put them in the air where you’re going to risk not being able to communicate with them.”
Friday’s ground stop was different than the one after Sept. 11 because planes were not being told to land immediately and pilots likely were able to communicate with ground controllers at airports, Arroyo said.
Nov. 13 - 4:53 PM
Nov. 13 - 4:50 PM
Via Secretary Duffy:
"The @FAAnews issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports following a communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. FAA technicians are investigating the issue. We will provide immediate updates as we have them."
Nov. 13 - 4:40 PM
(AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights nationwide Friday afternoon because of communications problems at regional air traffic control centers. The FAA notice said the ground stop was being imposed “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there is a communications issue affecting the 22 regional air traffic control centers that direct planes en route between airports nationwide. He said FAA technicians are investigating. This is the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when a key FAA computer system malfunctioned. Before that, the last time had been after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The government has been working to overhaul the outdated technology that air traffic controllers rely on since Congress approved $12.5 billion for the project last year. Miles of old copper wires have been replaced with fiber optic lines and old radio systems are gradually being replaced at airports across the country.
But much work remains. Duffy has said that another $30 billion will be needed to complete the work, and the White House has begun lobbying Congress to approve it.
