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What we know about the US ground stop and what to do if your flight is affected

November 14, 2026

The US Federal Aviation Administration implemented its longest nationwide ground stop since 9/11, lasting over four hours on Friday due to communication problems affecting air traffic control centers. The stoppage resulted in more than 8,500 flight delays and nearly 8,000 cancellations, stranding tens of thousands of passengers at airports across the country. Homeland Security officials confirmed the incident was not a cyber-attack, though Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned the disruption would create a ripple effect lasting several days.

Who is affected

  • Tens of thousands of passengers stranded at airports nationwide
  • Passengers on more than 8,500 delayed flights and nearly 8,000 cancelled flights
  • Travelers from 42 Eurocontrol member states (including EU nations, UK, Turkey, Israel, and Morocco)
  • Passengers traveling from UK airports (Heathrow, Manchester, Gatwick)
  • Australian travelers at Sydney International Airport
  • Passengers on Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and British Airways flights

What action is being taken

  • Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are resuming operations
  • American Airlines is focused on operating as many remaining flights as possible
  • Airlines are required to offer alternative travel or full refunds for significantly delayed flights under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
  • British Airways is advising passengers to check flight status but travel to the airport as planned

Why it matters

  • This was the longest nationwide ground stop since the September 11, 2001 attacks, demonstrating significant vulnerability in the US air traffic control system. The disruption affected both domestic and international travel on a massive scale, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledging the outage would cause ripple effects for several days, leaving thousands of passengers without accommodations and uncertain travel plans.

What's next

  • JetBlue will resume flights on Saturday morning. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated it will take time to unwind the afternoon's disruption, with effects expected to continue for a few days.

Read full article from source: BBC

What we know about the US ground stop and what to do if your flight is affected