The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground stop affecting flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport on Monday, September 16, 2026. The action was taken because of staffing constraints at the Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT), which manages the region’s air traffic.
Arriving flights at LAX and San Diego are being delayed under a traffic management program. The FAA noted that these arrival delays could also impact departing flight schedules. Passengers seeking real-time updates were directed to consult their airlines and use www.fly.faa.gov for current airport information. Despite the staggered arrivals, the
FAA confirmed that overall operations at LAX continue normally.
Southern California TRACON Airspace Coverage
Southern California TRACON (SCT) in San Diego is responsible for controlling one of the busiest airspaces in the United States. Its jurisdiction stretches roughly from 20 miles north of Burbank to the U.S.-Mexico border and from the San Bernardino area westward to Santa Catalina Island. SCT services the majority of Southern California airports within this extensively busy airspace.
Context of Staffing Disruptions at SCT
This ground stop on September 16 represents at least the fourth documented staffing-related disruption at Southern California TRACON specifically affecting LAX in recent weeks. The FAA linked the ground stop to ongoing staffing
shortages at SCT, which have periodically caused delays and operational challenges at both Los Angeles and San Diego airports.
