On November 15, 2026, multiple flights departing from and arriving into London Heathrow and Gatwick airports were cancelled following a nationwide air traffic control ground stop imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The shutdown disrupted the clearance of US-bound flights, resulting in significant cancellations and delays at the two major UK hubs.
London Heathrow reported 31 cancelled flights to and from US destinations across the day, along with delays affecting approximately 20 departures. At Gatwick, three arrivals from Orlando, Florida, scheduled for early morning, were cancelled as a direct result of the FAA’s action.
US FAA Ground Stop Impact on London Airports
The FAA’s nationwide ground
stop stemmed from communications problems at regional air traffic control centres in the United States and lasted around four hours. This represented the longest US air traffic shutdown since the September 11 attacks, leading to a backlog affecting flights across the Atlantic.
Flight disruptions in the UK began spreading from Friday night and continued throughout Saturday, impacting outbound US flights significantly, alongside some inbound traffic. Airlines operating from Heathrow and Gatwick had to cancel services or delay departures while managing the remaining flights.
UK travellers at these airports should anticipate ongoing cancellations and possible delays for flights connecting to the
United States. Airlines are currently adjusting operations to account for the backlog in US airspace and ground handling.
Travel Advisories and Airline Responses
UK aviation authorities have warned of continued disruptions today as airlines work to restore normal schedules. Passengers travelling between the UK and US are advised to verify flight statuses as delays and cancellations may persist for several days following the incident.
British Airways acknowledged potential delays and cancellations affecting its US departures and urged customers to arrive for their scheduled departure times unless otherwise notified. Virgin Atlantic reported at least one cancelled flight from Heathrow to New York JFK linked to the
FAA ground stop.
The ongoing situation reflects the challenges posed by the FAA’s emergency measures, with air traffic control resuming operations early on November 15 but disruptions lingering at international gateways like London Heathrow and Gatwick.
