On September 16, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a temporary ground stop on incoming flights at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego airport. This action was taken due to staffing shortages at Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT), which manages traffic in the region.
Scope of Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control Operations
Southern California TRACON (SCT), located in San Diego, controls the airspace for most airports in Southern California. Its jurisdiction spans from approximately 20 miles north of Burbank to the U.S.-Mexico border, and from the San Bernardino area westward to Santa Catalina Island. This extensive coverage makes SCT responsible for coordinating one
of the busiest airspaces in the country.
Impact on Flight Operations and Passenger Guidance
The ground stop caused arriving flights to be delayed temporarily, which disrupted schedules and had potential knock-on effects for departing flights from both LAX and San Diego airports. The FAA indicated that the installation of a traffic management program to delay some arrivals could lead to changes in departure times. Passengers were informed to verify their flight status through their respective airlines.
Official FAA Statements
The FAA commented, “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.” Further
clarifying the situation at LAX, the FAA stated, “Operations are normal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The FAA temporarily paused some flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to staffing constraints at Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT). You can find real-time airport information at www.fly.faa.gov.”
Context of Staffing Disruptions at LAX
This latest staffing-related disruption is at least the fourth such incident impacting Los Angeles International Airport in recent times. The recurrence underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining sufficient FAA staffing levels at SCT, which plays a critical role in managing Southern California’s complex air traffic.
