The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily stopped some flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport on Monday morning, September 14, 2026, due to staffing shortages at the Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT).
Southern California TRACON Coverage and Role
Southern California TRACON manages air traffic for most airports in the region, covering an airspace extending about 20 miles north of Burbank down to the U.S.-Mexico border, and stretching from the San Bernardino area westward to Santa Catalina Island. SCT is one of the busiest air traffic control facilities in the United States.
Operational Status and Impact at LAX
The FAA stated that operations at LAX remain
normal despite the temporary ground stops. However, the traffic management program in effect has delayed arriving flights, which may affect the schedules of departing flights. Travelers were directed to consult their airlines for flight status updates and to visit www.fly.faa.gov for real-time airport information.
Monday’s ground stop marks at least the fourth staffing-related disruption impacting LAX caused by Southern California TRACON in recent weeks.
“Because a traffic management program is delaying some arriving flights, departing flight schedules may be affected. Check with your airline to determine if your flight is affected,” the FAA said in a statement.
