The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a halt to all departures at U.S. airports on Friday after a communication breakdown affected air traffic control operations nationwide, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
In a statement posted on the social platform X, Duffy said the FAA had implemented a ground stop for all U.S. airports following a communication issue that impacted every Air Route Traffic Control Center. He added that FAA technicians were actively investigating the cause of the problem.
The ground stop prevents any flights from taking off from U.S. airports, but planes already in the air are being allowed to land, according to the FAA's directive. The move is a precautionary measure to ensure safety while technicians work to restore full communication capabilities.
This is not the first time the FAA has faced such a disruption. In January 2023, a similar nationwide ground stop was ordered after a computer system failure at the FAA's Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system, which provides safety information to pilots. That incident delayed thousands of flights and prompted calls for modernization of the agency's aging infrastructure.
The current ground stop comes as the FAA operates under increased scrutiny over its technology and staffing. Lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about the agency's ability to handle growing air traffic volumes, and the issue has become a political flashpoint in debates over infrastructure spending and government efficiency.
Secretary Duffy, who was confirmed as Transportation Secretary earlier this year, has made aviation safety and system reliability a priority. His quick public confirmation of the ground stop on social media is part of an effort to keep the public informed during operational disruptions.
As of this report, the FAA has not provided an estimated timeline for when the communication issue will be resolved or when the ground stop will be lifted. The agency is expected to issue updates as more information becomes available.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status and to expect delays as the situation develops. The ground stop affects all commercial and private flights departing from U.S. airports, including international departures.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as the FAA and the Department of Transportation release additional details.
