San Francisco International Airport experienced multiple FAA-imposed ground stops on November 9, 2026, as dense fog and low clouds reduced visibility. By approximately 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time, the disruptions had caused 187 delayed flights and three cancellations. Visibility at the airport fell to about 0.13 miles around 8 a.m., prompting the FAA to act.
FAA Air Traffic Management Measures and Timing of Ground Stops
The first major ground stop began shortly before 8 a.m. Pacific Time, suspending departures heading to San Francisco. This hold lasted until around 9:15 a.m., but ground delay programs remained active to regulate inbound flights. Additional FAA-imposed ground stops occurred near 10:28 a.m. and again shortly
before noon, targeting selected departures at other U.S. airports bound for San Francisco. The FAA implemented these restrictions to manage air traffic flow due to reduced airport capacity caused by low cloud ceilings and fog.
Fog Impact on Flight Operations and Airport Location Vulnerability
San Francisco International Airport’s proximity to San Francisco Bay exposes it to frequent coastal fog, which contributed to the poor visibility conditions during the disruption. The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory for the San Francisco area and the bay shoreline, warning of visibility as low as a quarter mile in the morning hours. Low visibility and cloud ceilings necessitated increased spacing between
arriving aircraft and the use of reduced-visibility procedures, decreasing the number of flights the airport could handle efficiently.
Effects on Connecting Flights and Passenger Guidance
Delays caused by the ground stops and FAA restrictions extended beyond flights departing San Francisco, affecting aircraft traveling to the airport from other U.S. locations. The FAA’s holds prevented excessive congestion in San Francisco’s airspace, resulting in delays for outbound flights at departure airports even when local weather was clear. Late arrivals also impacted subsequent departures. Passengers were advised to review flight-specific status updates and prepare for potential delays when connecting through San Francisco.
Operational Clarifications Regarding Ground Stops
Ground stops are temporary FAA air traffic control
measures designed to maintain safety during adverse conditions; they do not signify closure of the airport. The restrictions in place during the morning and midday periods on November 9 varied as weather conditions evolved. Although 187 flight delays and three cancellations were confirmed by late morning, these figures do not represent the total daily impact. Average arrival delays during the disruption period were around 63 minutes. Further updates depend on changing conditions and scheduling later in the day.
