The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for flights arriving at Denver International Airport on August 29, 2026. The order was released at 4:32 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) and was set to remain in effect until 6 p.m. MDT, with a 30% to 60% chance of extension.
The ground stop affects departures from six FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC): Los Angeles (ZLA), Salt Lake City (ZLC), Denver (ZDV), Kansas City (ZKC), Albuquerque (ZAB), and Minneapolis (ZMP). The measure was prompted by thunderstorms causing marginal severe weather risks, including high winds and hail, primarily across Colorado’s
mountainous areas north of Interstate 70. The Denver metro region and northeast Colorado also face potential severe weather through the night as storms move through.
As a consequence of the ground stop, flights destined for Denver International Airport experienced delays, with aircraft held on the ground during the affected timeframe. The interruptions impacted airport operations throughout the afternoon and early evening periods on August 29.
The FAA implements ground stops to maintain safety during adverse weather conditions. This proactive management limits inbound flights from multiple ARTCCs until weather threats diminish. The scheduled end time for this ground hold was 6
p.m. MDT, though officials indicated a significant possibility of an extension depending on storm developments.
