Last Updated on November 13, 2026 4:38 pm
UPDATED 4:45 PM FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 2026: The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a nationwide ground stop, halting flight departures at airports across the United States.
The FAA advisory, dated Nov. 13, cites “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.” It says departing air traffic is to remain grounded until further notice. The agency said inbound flights from international origins will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
What officials are saying
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the cause as a communication issue affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers, the facilities that guide aircraft between airports. The cause of that issue has not been announced, and FAA technicians are investigating.
No timeline has been given for when flights will resume.
What travelers should do
Check with your airline before heading to the airport, and watch for text or email alerts about delays, cancellations and rebooking. The FAA posts live airport status at fly.faa.gov.
This is a developing story, and WataugaOnline will update this article as more information becomes available.
