The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a nationwide ground stop lasting over four hours on November 13, 2026, due to communications failures at regional air traffic control centers. The ground stop was lifted around 7:30 p.m. Central time but disrupted flight operations nationwide.
Chicago Airports See Hundreds of Delays and Cancellations
At Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport, flight disruptions were severe. By 9:30 p.m. Central time, nearly 900 flights were delayed and more than 800 flights canceled across the two airports, primarily at O’Hare. The Chicago Department of Aviation reported these figures amid ongoing operational recovery.
Traveler Conditions Amid the Disruption
Passengers at O’Hare and Midway dealt with crowded gates
and extended waits. Some travelers, like Shawntell Sharrock, who was on a layover en route to Ohio, described chaotic scenes with multiple security personnel and inconsistent information. Sharrock said, “There’s not a solidified, same answer from anyone.”
Others, including Pankti Patel, who was supposed to fly from Chicago to San Francisco for a weekend trip to Napa Valley, were stranded for hours. Patel’s flight had been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Central time. She canceled her plans after waiting extensively, expressing emotional distress over the disruption.
Official Statements on Cause and Safety
The FAA cited “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety” for implementing the ground stop.
The nationwide halt was the first since January 2023 and the first after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin explained the communication failure was a telecommunications outage affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. Mullin stated there was no evidence of a cyberattack and reassured the safety of passengers.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy added that FAA technicians were investigating the issue and would provide updates as available.
Airline Responses and Operational Status
United Airlines resumed limited operations Friday evening, including some planned flights, but acknowledged significant cancellations. United issued a travel waiver permitting customers to change weekend travel plans
due to ongoing disruptions. The airline urged passengers to verify flight status via its website and app.
American Airlines prioritized operating remaining Friday flights to non-hub cities and international routes to position aircraft and crew for recovery. The airline anticipated residual delays and cancellations through Friday night and into Saturday.
Government Reaction and Technology Modernization
Senator Tammy Duckworth demanded a thorough investigation into the causes of the FAA ground stop. She signaled this inquiry would be a priority in her role as Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member.
The communications failure highlighted vulnerabilities in the nation’s outdated air traffic control infrastructure. The federal government has approved $12.5
billion in recent funding to upgrade systems, replacing copper wires with fiber optics and modernizing radios. An additional $30 billion is estimated to complete the overhaul.
Passenger Impact and Operational Challenges
The disruption left many passengers stranded with limited information and long waits inside crowded terminals. Travelers faced uncertainty about flight schedules and challenges in rebooking. Some, like Danitra Haynes who was returning to Los Angeles, reached the airport to find delays extending well into the night.
United Airlines’ waiver and American Airlines’ prioritization aimed to aid recovery, but significant backlogs remained. The communication breakdown prompted extended operational difficulties across Chicago’s major airports and nationwide.
