San Francisco International Airport reported 187 delayed arrivals and three cancellations by about 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time on November 9, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented the first major ground stop just before 8 a.m., which lasted until around 9:15 a.m.
Subsequent Ground Stops and Flight Delays
Following the initial halt, the FAA issued additional ground stops affecting flights bound for San Francisco around 10:28 a.m. and shortly before noon. These measures involved holding departures at various US airports to reduce congestion in the San Francisco airspace. Average delays for arriving aircraft during the disruption were approximately 63 minutes.
Weather Conditions and Visibility Constraints
Dense fog and low cloud ceilings
limited visibility and operational capacity at San Francisco International Airport on the morning of November 9. Visibility decreased to roughly 0.13 miles near 8 a.m., with the National Weather Service issuing a dense fog advisory warning of visibility as low as a quarter mile along the San Francisco Bay and shoreline. Reduced visibility required additional spacing between aircraft and the use of low-visibility operating procedures, lowering flight throughput. Located beside San Francisco Bay, the airport is particularly susceptible to coastal fog.
Impact on Passengers and Flights
The FAA ground stops caused delays not only for flights arriving at San Francisco International Airport but also for
departing aircraft at other airports destined for SFO, even if weather conditions were clear at their departure points. Flight delays and cancellations could affect connecting flights and later departing flights if aircraft arrive behind schedule, making passenger reliance on checking specific flight information with airlines and allowing additional time necessary.
FAA Procedures and Operational Clarifications
The FAA ground stops and ground delay programs are temporary air traffic management strategies used to prevent airspace congestion under low visibility and adverse weather conditions. These restrictions did not constitute an airport closure but were necessary to adjust aircraft separation and maintain safety during reduced visibility conditions around San
Francisco International Airport.
