A telecommunications fault in US air traffic control centers triggered a nationwide ground stop on November 13, 2026, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order temporarily halted flights operating in US airspace, stopping normal operations across the United States. The FAA lifted the ground stop the same evening after completing system tests and confirming air traffic control systems were operational.
Flight Cancellations and Delays at Canadian Airports
Despite the FAA lifting the order, several Canadian airports continued to report flight cancellations and delays on November 14 due to downstream operational challenges. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) recorded 92 cancellations and 97 delays by 11:48 a.m.
Eastern Time on November 14, with 62 of those cancellations impacting flights to or from the United States. Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) experienced approximately 40 cancellations on November 14, following 61 cancellations on November 13.
Montréal-Trudeau officials noted that some aircraft scheduled for departure on November 14 were unable to reach the airport the previous day because of the FAA disruption, complicating recovery efforts.
Airline Responses and Passenger Impact
Air Canada confirmed the FAA ground stop ended on November 13 yet cautioned passengers that some routes might still face delays or cancellations as operations normalized. The airline advised travelers to check booking details and utilize
online self-service tools for updates. Flights transiting US airspace, including some Caribbean and South American services, were among those affected.
WestJet issued a travel advisory covering flights between November 13 and November 15, offering flexible booking options such as one-time fee-free changes or cancellations for eligible passengers. WestJet urged customers to verify flight statuses before traveling to airports.
Toronto Pearson Airport confirmed that flights bound for the US had resumed but warned of the potential for continued disruptions during the recovery period.
Operational Challenges and Ongoing Delays
The cascading effects of the FAA’s ground stop included disruptions to aircraft and crew schedules, delayed departures, and
flight diversions in US airspace. These challenges contributed to extended delays and cancellations at Canadian airports like Toronto Pearson and Montréal-Trudeau beyond the initial stop date.
Passengers facing cancellations were advised to contact their carriers for rebooking or refund options. Airlines emphasized monitoring official websites and communications for accurate and timely flight information to avoid unnecessary airport visits.
Flights traversing US airspace, notably certain routes to the Caribbean and South America, were also affected by the FAA’s telecom issue and the subsequent operational ripple effects.
Passenger Guidance and Airline Communications
Passengers traveling from Canadian airports were advised to verify flight status through official airline platforms,
monitor booking notifications, and prepare travel documents for any necessary assistance. Both Air Canada and WestJet communicated flexible policies to mitigate impact on disrupted travelers.
The disruptions had a significant effect on cross-border connectivity, underscoring continued uncertainty during the FAA delay resolution. Travelers should not assume current flights are canceled or delayed but confirm specific flight information before heading to airports.
