The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily stopped some flights from arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport on the morning of September 16, 2026. The ground stop was implemented due to staffing constraints at Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT), which oversees air traffic in much of Southern California airspace.
Southern California TRACON Airspace and Flight Impacts
Southern California TRACON controls one of the busiest airspaces in the United States, covering a region stretching from about 20 miles north of Burbank to the U.S.-Mexico border, and from the San Bernardino area west to Santa Catalina Island. Staffing shortages at SCT compelled
the FAA to activate a traffic management program that delayed arriving flights into the region. This disruption also affected departing flight schedules at LAX and San Diego, although the exact number of flights impacted remains undisclosed. The FAA noted, “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.”
Official Statements and Traveler Information
According to the FAA, operations at LAX are continuing normally overall despite the temporary pause on some inbound flights. The agency urged travelers to consult with their airlines for current flight status and directed
the public to real-time airport information available at www.fly.faa.gov. The ground stop on September 16 marks at least the fourth recent occasion in which SCT staffing challenges have disrupted operations at Los Angeles International Airport. Passengers scheduled to fly into or out of LAX and San Diego International Airport should monitor updates closely given the ongoing staffing constraints affecting Southern California air traffic control.
