FAA Orders Nationwide Ground Stop Due to Air Traffic Control Communication Disruption

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an unprecedented nationwide ground stop on Friday, halting flights across the United States.

The FAA cited extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns in announcing the ground stop, instructing airlines to keep all departing aircraft grounded until further notice.

In an update on social media, the FAA said: “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.”

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the disruption is being investigated, noting that officials have found no indication so far of a nefarious attack.