The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 13, 2026, as thunderstorms developed over the region. The ground stop prevented departures to Atlanta, aiming to reduce congestion from severe weather conditions impacting the airport.
The initial ground stop was scheduled to expire at 2:30 p.m. but was extended until 4 p.m. before being lifted. Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect across east Georgia until 9 p.m., covering multiple counties including Baker, Berrien, Brooks, and Lowndes among others.
As of approximately 1 p.m., the FAA reported over 900 flight delays at
Hartsfield-Jackson. Average delays were around 40 minutes, with some flights experiencing maximum delays of up to 75 minutes. Flights destined for Atlanta were held at their origin airports during the ground stop to manage air traffic flow safely.
The severe thunderstorm watch spanned several eastern Georgia counties, including Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lanier, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, and Worth. These weather warnings contributed to the FAA’s decision to enforce the ground stop.
The ground stop and resulting delays disrupted operations at the nation’s busiest airport. Flights were unable to proceed to
Atlanta until conditions improved and the FAA lifted the restriction after the weather threat diminished and air traffic control could resume normal operations.
