Dallas Fort Worth International Airport ended its ground stop at 6:25 p.m. on September 10, 2026, earlier than the initially set 6:45 p.m. deadline. Despite the lifting of the ground stop, a ground delay remained in effect, continuing to impact flight departures.
Thunderstorm-Related Delays at DFW and Dallas Love Field
The ground delay at DFW Airport caused flights to be held at their departure airports with an average delay of 78 minutes. Meanwhile, departures from DFW itself faced delays averaging 75 minutes due to ongoing thunderstorms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Dallas Love Field, the base for Southwest Airlines operations, experienced growing departure delays averaging about 30 minutes
as the weather situation persisted.
Operational Impact on Major Carriers
DFW International Airport serves as the central hub for American Airlines, making disruption at this location particularly significant. At the same time, Dallas Love Field functions as the home base for Southwest Airlines, with its flights also delayed by thunderstorm activity. The delays affected flights destined for North Texas, which were prevented from taking off during the FAA ground stop.
In aviation, a ground stop halts departures of flights headed to a specific airport to manage traffic and ensure safety during adverse conditions. After the ground stop lifts, a ground delay can continue, regulating departures
but allowing some flights to proceed. These measures aim to prevent congestion and accidents during severe weather events like thunderstorms.
