FAA lifts nationwide ground stop that blocked takeoffs for hours
A view of an information board at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, filled with waiting passengers on November 13, 2026. Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty ImagesTakeoffs from airports throughout the US largely stopped on Friday after the FAA issued a national ground stop at 3:44PM ET "due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety."
More than four hours after the stop was issued, officials announced it was lifted at 8:15PM ET and that flights will resume. It's unclear how many flights will be able to take off and when, as they now face problems of overloaded airports and flight crews that have run out of time to operate the planes, meaning many people will be stuck where they are for the time being and more flights will be delayed or canceled.
In a White House press conference annou ...