Nationwide ground stop ordered at airports, including Philadelphia International Airport: FAA

Breaking Nationwide ground stop ordered at airports, including PHL Philadelphia International Airport Nationwide ground stop ordered at airports, including Philadelphia International Airport: FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers are responsible for all flights above 18,000 feet. There are 22 of those centers in the U.S. Nationwide ground stop ordered at airports, including PHL: FAA By 6abc Digital Staff Friday, November 13, 2026 9:54PM Share PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide ground stop on Friday for all airlines, including Philadelphia International Airport, due to a communications issue. Secretary Sean Duffy says the issue is impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. Air Route Traffic Control Centers are responsible for all flights above 18,000 feet. There are 22 of those centers in the U.S. "Due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety. Attention all aircraft operators, by order of the Federal Aviation Command Center, all airports are ground stopped," FAA officials said. "All departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice. Inbound international flights will be managed on a case-by-case basis." Pilots who are in the air have flight plans and are prepared to continue with their flight path in case of such an emergency, according to ABC News contributor John Nance. "All pilots in that environment know what to do," Nance told ABC News on Friday. There is no timeline for when the order will be lifted. Nationwide ground stop ordered at airports, including Philadelphia International Airport: FAA 6 minutes ago Emergency crews responding to vessel collision near Port of New Orleans on Mississippi River 1 hour ago 2nd tornado confirmed in the Philadelphia region; cleanup continues from storms | LIVE UPDATES Nationwide ground stop ordered at airports, including PHL: FAA This is the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when a key FAA computer system malfunctioned. Before that, the last time had been after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The government has been working to overhaul the outdated technology that air traffic controllers rely on since Congress approved $12.5 billion for the project last year. Miles of old copper wires have been replaced with fiber optic lines and old radio systems are gradually being replaced at airports across the country. But much work remains. Duffy has said that another $30 billion will be needed to complete the work, and the White House has begun lobbying Congress to approve it. ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Stay with Action News as we continue to follow this developing story. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics TRAVEL PHILADELPHIA PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FAA U.S. & WORLD Ground stop lifted at PHL, but major delays expected to linger Travel delays linger after equipment outages force ground stops at PHL 2nd possible measles exposure reported in Philadelphia at airport Possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport Watch Live ON NOW Tanker collides with riverboat with 129 passengers on board in New Orleans: Officials 1 hour ago 2nd tornado confirmed in our region; cleanup continues from storms Man arrested for alleged abduction of infant son; child safe 2 hours ago Owlet issues warning to parents after child dies from loose cable 2 hours ago Sonar scan shows successful deployment of SS United States: Officials