San Francisco International Airport (SFO) recorded 187 delayed flights and 3 cancellations by 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time on November 9, 2026, after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented multiple ground stops in response to dense fog and low cloud cover.
Visibility and Weather Impact on Operations
Visibility at SFO fell to approximately 0.13 miles around 8 a.m., prompting the National Weather Service to issue a dense fog advisory for San Francisco and the surrounding bay shoreline with visibility dropping to as low as a quarter mile. Low-visibility operating procedures and increased spacing between aircraft contributed to a reduction in the airport’s flight handling capacity.
FAA Traffic Management Measures
The first
major FAA ground stop began shortly before 8 a.m. PT and ended around 9:15 a.m. PT, temporarily halting departures destined for San Francisco. Ground delay programs remained active to regulate arrivals. Additional ground stops were enforced around 10:28 a.m. and just before noon, affecting both arriving and departing flights. Some flights were held at other U.S. airports prior to departure to reduce congestion in San Francisco’s airspace.
Impact on Arrivals and Departures
The fog and low clouds affected flights inbound and outbound from San Francisco, causing significant delays for arriving aircraft. Passengers on flights departing other U.S. airports to San Francisco experienced wait times due
to FAA-imposed holds before takeoff. Average delays for arriving flights during the disruption were approximately 63 minutes, with variation among individual flights.
Geographical Factors and FAA Operations
San Francisco International Airport’s coastal location next to San Francisco Bay makes it vulnerable to frequent fog conditions. The FAA’s temporary ground stops and ground delay programs are part of standard air traffic management tools used to maintain safety under low-visibility conditions without necessarily closing the airport.
Travel Considerations During Fog Events
Delays affected flights throughout November 9 and into November 10 as fog conditions persisted. Travelers connecting through San Francisco should anticipate potential delays and consult directly with their airlines for updates
on flight status and scheduling. Exact final counts of delayed or canceled flights may differ from the 187 delays and 3 cancellations recorded by late morning on November 9.
