--- title: "Nationwide Ground Stop Lifted After FAA Reports Communication Issues" url: https://newscentral.site/nationwide-ground-stop-lifted-after-faa-reports-communication-issues/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Travel" published: 2026-11-13T21:43:32.000Z updated: 2026-11-14T04:27:34.302Z id: d161ccb1-d661-46d3-ab20-f76dcba0ef00 source: "The Points Guy https://thepointsguy.com/news/faa-groundstop-flights-grounded-nationwide/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/nationwide-ground-stop-lifted-after-faa-reports-communication-issues/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Nationwide Ground Stop Lifted After FAA Reports Communication Issues The nationwide ground stop was lifted late on Friday evening after the Federal Aviation Administration reported communication issues impacting air traffic control centers, causing thousands of travelers to be stranded at airports across the country. A nationwide ground stop was lifted late on Friday evening after the Federal Aviation Administration reported communication issues impacting air traffic control centers. The disruption had brought flights to a standstill for several hours, causing thousands of travelers to be stranded at airports across the country. Air travel has been severely impacted by this event, with multiple days of cascading disruptions expected as airlines work to get operations back on track. According to FlightAware, at least 1,400 departures scheduled for Saturday had already been cancelled due to the unprecedented situation. The communications outage that plagued air travel on Friday was attributed to an upgrade in FAA technology, according to officials. Airlines have been offering flexible travel waivers to passengers affected by the disruptions, allowing them to change their itineraries with greater ease. These waivers are typically issued when airlines anticipate significant delays or cancellations. Several major carriers, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaiian, as well as JetBlue, have all issued such waivers. Some flights did manage to depart despite the widespread disruptions caused by Friday's ground stop. In some cases, these departures were allowed to proceed under specific conditions or with special arrangements in place. For example, international departures for United Airlines were being managed on a case-by-case basis, as announced by the carrier via social media. Airlines operating within certain regions also maintained their schedules despite the disruptions elsewhere. Alaska Air Group reported that flights within the state of Alaska and neighbor island service in Hawaii continued to operate as usual. Additionally, departures from the West Coast to Hawaii were unaffected, according to a spokesperson for one of these carriers. As flights resume after a nationwide ground stop, passengers are advised to check their travel plans carefully before heading to the airport. Under Department of Transportation regulations, significant delays can lead to substantial time losses for travelers. For instance, domestic itineraries may see arrival times delayed by at least three hours, while international trips could face waits of six hours or more. Airlines are also taking steps to accommodate passengers who have opted out of flights affected by the disruption. When a flight is canceled due to significant delays, airlines must issue refunds to the original payment method, rather than simply offering travel credits. This means that travelers can expect a full reimbursement for their ticket purchase. Travelers navigating the aftermath of the ground stop are also urged to think ahead and plan for contingencies. With rental cars and hotel rooms near airports often booking up quickly in large-scale disruptions, it's wise to act fast if you want to secure backup options. Using airline miles to book an alternative flight can be a savvy move, providing a self-insurance policy against further disruption. Before taking matters into your own hands, however, make sure you understand the cancellation and refund rules for your specific situation. Additionally, some rewards credit cards offer built-in protection against trip delays or cancellations, but don't assume these benefits will automatically kick in during an FAA-enforced ground stop. Travelers who incurred unexpected expenses due to flight disruptions should retain their receipts for potential reimbursement. In case of future claims, having these receipts on hand can be crucial in receiving compensation. --- Source: [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/news/faa-groundstop-flights-grounded-nationwide/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/nationwide-ground-stop-lifted-after-faa-reports-communication-issues/