The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented temporary ground stops affecting some flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport on Monday morning, September 14, 2026. The stoppages were due to staffing shortages at the Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SCT) facility.
Southern California TRACON Airspace and Operations
Southern California TRACON, based in San Diego, manages radar approach control for the majority of airports in Southern California. Its jurisdiction includes airspace from approximately 20 miles north of Burbank extending south to the U.S.-Mexico border and laterally from the San Bernardino area westward to Santa Catalina Island. The sector is one of the
busiest airspaces nationally.
Flight Delays and Passenger Information
The ground stops caused delays in arrival schedules at both LAX and San Diego airports. Departing flights faced potential disruptions as a consequence of delayed arrivals. The FAA advised travelers 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.” Additionally, real-time airport information is available at www.fly.faa.gov.
Despite the temporary flight pauses, the FAA confirmed that operations at Los Angeles International Airport were otherwise normal during the event.
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.”
This is at least the fourth occasion in recent weeks where staffing shortages at Southern California TRACON have disrupted flight operations at LAX.
