On November 13, 2026, Calgary International Airport (YYC) experienced a series of cancellations and delays for multiple US-bound flights as a result of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nationwide ground stop. The FAA halted all flights entering United States airspace due to telecommunications problems impacting regional air traffic control centres.
Passengers at Calgary International Airport were affected by extended waits both on board aircraft and within terminals. Flights ready for departure were delayed, with at least one flight bound for Denver requiring passengers to disembark after remaining seated for about an hour. Air Canada informed passengers that it would not
reimburse expenses arising from the disruptions caused by the FAA ground stop.
One passenger, Naji Zuain from Lloydminster, described the situation as unfair yet acknowledged the airline’s position: “It’s kind of unfair for them to have to cover each and every passengers’ expenses due to something that was no fault of their own,” he said. Many travelers incurred additional costs, including overnight accommodations, without compensation from Air Canada.
FAA Ground Stop Lifted but Uncertainty Remains
The FAA lifted the nationwide ground stop shortly after 7 p.m. on November 13, restoring clearance for flights into US airspace. Despite this, passenger uncertainty persisted as airline schedules began normalizing. Calgary
International Airport advised travelers to verify their flight status with respective airlines as operations resumed.
Affected travelers faced hours of waiting, some resorting to booking flights for the next day. One passenger was rebooked for a 9 a.m. flight on November 14, 2026, illustrating the ongoing ripple effects from the interruption.
Impact on US-Bound International Flights
The FAA ground stop represented a broader US nationwide air traffic suspension impacting international flights from multiple countries, including Canadian airports. Calgary International Airport was among several Canadian hubs where US-bound flights were grounded due to telecom system issues in US regional air traffic control, causing widespread disruption for
transnational travelers.
Calgary’s US-bound flight cancellations underline the scope of the FAA’s action, which affected thousands of flights across North America and beyond, reflecting vulnerabilities in the air traffic control communication infrastructure.
