Updated Friday 5:45 pst The FAA has lifted its nationwide ground stop, allowing commercial flights to resume following a massive telecommunications failure that paralyzed American air travel for more than four hours. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin held a press conference, taking questions from the media.
But the damage is done. More than 9,500 flights have been delayed nationwide, with approximately 5,300 cancellations reported. At LAX alone, more than 600 flights were delayed and more than 280 canceled. Secretary Duffy indicated that the planes that were in the air have, or soon will, land safely.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says there is no indication of a cyberattack or national security threat. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the failure affected communications at air traffic control centers across the country.
The exact cause remains under investigation.
It’s only the second nationwide ground stop since September 11th, 2001.
The FAA is warning that disruptions could continue for days as airlines struggle to reposition aircraft and crews.
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Updated Friday 2:05 pst
In a highly unusual move the FAA has stopped all departing flights across the USA. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said incoming flights will be addressed on a case by case basis. He called the incident a “telecommunications outage” and downplayed any nefarious cause, will not “rule anything out” and reports that President Trump has been engaged from the beginning.
Mullin added all planes are safe and accounted for and a full scale investigation is underway He added “this is not another 9-11” and loved ones have no reason for fear.
As of 2:55 pst, flightaware.com says over 2,200 flights have been canceled and the delays number in the thousands.
Friday 1:45 pst update
A nationwide shutdown of America’s air traffic system, and now reports that some planes already in the air are being ordered to hold.
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a nationwide ground stop, halting departing flights at airports across the country, including LAX.
The emergency order follows a massive communications failure affecting all 22 regional air traffic control centers.
Fox News reports that aircraft already airborne are also being instructed to hold, although the FAA has not confirmed a nationwide airborne holding order.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says technicians are investigating the failure. The FAA cites extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns.
The disruption is only the third nationwide ground stop since September 11th, 2001.
No confirmed timetable yet for restoring normal operations.
Friday 1:20 pst
FAA ATCSCC Advisory 111, ordering a nationwide ground stop
FAA Statement:
Due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.
The FAA directed all airports nationwide to stop departures until further notice. International arrivals are being handled individually.
Advisory number: ATCSCC 111
Issued: November 13, 2026, at 12:54 p.m. Pacific.
What We Know:
The ground stop affects airports nationwide, including LAX.
ABC News reports that the emergency order is related to air traffic control communications problems. Reuters reports that serious communications issues were identified before the nationwide order.
This is a developing story.
AI helped prepare this story
