The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) paused certain flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport on September 16, 2026. The ground stop was caused by staffing shortages at Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT), which oversees air traffic in the region.
Scope of SCT Airspace and Flight Delays
Southern California TRACON, based in San Diego, manages one of the busiest airspaces in the United States. Its jurisdiction stretches from approximately 20 miles north of Burbank to the U.S.-Mexico border and from the San Bernardino area westward to Santa Catalina Island. The staffing constraints triggered a traffic management program that delayed some arriving
flights, potentially impacting departing flight schedules at affected airports.
The FAA advised travelers to verify flight status directly with their airlines. While arrivals were momentarily paused, operations continued normally at LAX during this period, according to the agency.
Context of Staffing Challenges and Official FAA Statements
This incident marks at least the fourth staffing-related disruption at Southern California TRACON affecting LAX in recent times. 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.”
The agency also confirmed that “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,” emphasizing the ongoing impact on scheduled departures stemming from the delays in arrivals.
