The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 12, 2026, due to thunderstorms in the area. The ground stop was initially set to last until 2:30 p.m., was extended to 4 p.m., and then allowed to expire.
Flight Delays Exceed 900 at Atlanta Airport
As of approximately 1 p.m., the FAA reported more than 900 flight delays at Hartsfield-Jackson. The average delay recorded was 40 minutes, while the longest delay reached 75 minutes.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Active in East Georgia
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for several counties in east Georgia until 9 p.m. The watch covers Baker, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur,
Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, and Worth counties.
Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon indicated there is a chance of scattered and isolated severe storms in the region during Sunday afternoon, contributing to the FAA’s caution in managing air traffic flow.
The ground stop caused flights at Hartsfield-Jackson to halt departures and arrivals while active. Passengers experienced delays averaging 40 minutes, with some waiting up to 75 minutes. Flight cancellations also occurred during the ground stop period.
