· Ground stop orders lifted about four hours after taking effect ↓
US authorities halted flights across the country after communication problems affected air traffic control, an extraordinary step that threatens to disrupt travel well beyond US borders. The Federal Aviation Administration said in an advisory notice on its website on Friday that a ground stop affects all US airports and that departing flights should remain grounded until further notice. The agency cited "extraordinary circumstances" and "reasons of safety."
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said FAA technicians were investigating the issue. Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin later said there was no indication of a threat to the country, offering reassurance as the grounding left passengers and airlines facing widespread delays.S2
Ground stop orders lifted about four hours after taking effect
- ABC reports the US ground stop caused some delays to a small number of US-bound flights from Australia.
- Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin said there were no indications of a nefarious attack or cyberattack, according to AP.
- The FAA said flights already airborne would continue to their destinations and inbound international flights would be handled case by case.
- Sciam reports that national ground stops of this kind are exceedingly rare.
