All takeoffs in the United States are suspended for security reasons and there is alarm at airports
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered this Friday the nationwide suspension of all departure flights, due to an “extraordinary situation and security reasons.” The decision came after the agency reported serious problems in air traffic control communications.
The measure means that planes already in the air can land, but those on the ground cannot take off. Shortly before the announcement, the FAA had suspended air traffic in Chicago due to the same inconveniences.
What the Government said
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported in X that the FAA ordered a nationwide ground stop for all US airports, following a communications problem affecting all route air traffic control centers. He assured that FAA technicians are investigating the problem and that updates will be published immediately as information becomes available.
Regarding international flights, the FAA indicated that they will be managed on a case-by-case basis.
How long will the suspension last?
The material does not require it. The FAA said departing flights should remain grounded “until further notice” and that updates will be issued as information becomes available.
What other similar episodes occurred in the United States?
This Friday saw the second national suspension of all outbound flights since the 2001 attacks. The previous one occurred in January 2023, when the FAA paralyzed all takeoffs of domestic flights for less than two hours.
However, this Friday, the Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, Markwayne Mullin, assured that “this is not another September 11.” “There is no reason for the public to feel afraid or worry about their loved ones,” he explained to media gathered at the White House.
