The FAA ordered a nationwide halt to takeoffs on Nov. 13, 2026, after a communications problem affected air traffic control centers across the country. (Foto: Instagram)
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide suspension of takeoffs on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, citing security concerns and extraordinary circumstances. About 3,100 aircraft were already in the air and awaiting authorization to land at U.S. airports, according to FlightRadar24.
FlightRadar24 said no additional aircraft were taking off during the nationwide ground stop. The FAA’s restriction did not automatically apply to flights arriving from abroad; the agency said it would assess those operations individually based on safety conditions.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a communications problem affecting all air traffic control centers in the country prompted the nationwide suspension.
The most recent nationwide halt to U.S. takeoffs occurred in January 2023, following a failure in the system used to notify pilots. Before that, the measure was imposed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
